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Physics Colloquium, April 20, 2004Intracellular calcium signaling - non-equilibrium physics meets cell biologyHerbert LevineUniversity of California, San DiegoMany cells use calcium as a second messenger, that is an intracellular molecule which transduces signals coming to the cell into desired molecular effects. For example, calcium is the link connecting electrical waves in the heart with the proteins actually responsible for force generation during contraction. To accomplish this task, cells use a nonlinear amplification mechanism (called calcium-induced calcium release) to enhance the signal. This mechanism turns the cell into an excitable medium, a well-studied paradigm in the physics of non-equilibrium pattern formation, capable of supporting nonlinear waves and stochastic oscillations. This talk will explore how one can begin to make sense of a wide variety of observations by using concepts from excitable media theory, suitably modified to take into account relevant biological detail. 3.30 p.m., Smith Laboratory, Room 1005Refreshments served in Smith 1094 at 3:00 p.m. |
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