Shedding light on cellular function: Combining kinetic, mechanistic modelling approaches with label free Raman microspectroscopic imaging

Project Description (max 300 words)
Cellular physiology is a complex, dynamic system of highly synergistic processes, which is poorly represented by static models, based on a limited set of biomarkers. As an alternative, this project proposes to combine, for the first time, (i) a kinetic, mechanistic modelling approach to the description and characterisation of cellular function, (ii) label free, Raman microspectroscopic (RMS) subcellular analysis, coupled with advanced chemometric algorithms, to holistically and quantitatively characterise key cellular events and response pathways, and to establish a paradigm for label-free, in-vitro cellular High Content Spectroscopic Analysis.
Using the model example of fatty acid oxidation and related cellular responses, characterised in parallel using established biochemical assays, the project aims to validate the combinatorial approach as a routine, label-free bio-analytical interpretation and representation paradigm, which can augment more traditional labelled and omics approaches, for fundamental cellular research.
The Project is based on established expertise in TU-Dublin in cellular and subcellular analysis using label-free spectroscopic techniques, as well as numerical modelling of cellular pathways. It will build capacity and capability in terms of excellence of training of the postgraduate, as well as novel concepts in science, upon which to consolidate and build the TU-Dublin profile and current and future collaborative opportunities.

Student requirements for this project
Min. 2.1 BSc in Physics/Chemistry/Biochemistry