Michael Reed, Duke University

Mathematics, Cell Metabolism, and Public Health

Friday April 18th, 4pm, Phillips 332
(refreshments served in Phillips 330 starting at 3:30)

Abstract:
Folate and methionine metabolism, a small part of cell biochemistry, is crucial for cell replication and DNA methylation. There is mounting evidence that the mechanisms by which some gene polymorphisms or dietary deficiencies are statistically linked to heart disease and certain cancers involve disruptions of folate and methionine metabolism. Folate is also the target of several chemotheraputic agents. A collaborative mathematical modeling project (with Cornelia Ulrich of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute and Fred Nijhout of the Duke Department of Biology) has the goal of understanding the quantitative and qualitative emergent properties of the whole biochemical network. The modeling work has given rise to new mathematics in non-linear stochastic dynamical systems. Published and current work will be described as well as the difficulties involved. Several public health issues will also be discussed.