Dennis E. Discher, Ph.D.
Robert D. Bent Professor, and Director, Physical Sciences Oncology Center/Project @ Penn
University of Pennsyvania, Philadelphia, PA
www.seas.upenn.edu/~discher
Title:
Scaling results from big data provide principles for mechanism
Abstract:
Characteristic scaling emerges in principle from stoichiometric interactions, the physics of fractal networks, or even suitably coordinated kinetics. Examples will be presented from studies of cell-molecular-tissue biology and/or soft matter systems that illustrate such characteristic scaling and identify underlying mechanisms.
Bio:
The Discher lab has sought to identify and elucidate some soft matter concepts across cell, molecular and tissue biology. They also have, occasionally, used biological approaches to inject some biological insights into soft matter science and engineering. Early discoveries included matrix elasticity effects on stem cell maturation and differentiation (Cell 2006), mechanosensing by a cell’s nucleus (Science 2013), and properties scaling of amphiphilic polymer assemblies for nano-delivery (Science 2002). Current efforts focus on physics-driven evolution of mutations (Cell 2016) and engineering of macrophages to attack solid tumors (Nat BME 2023). The latter followed molecularly detailed studies of ‘foreign’ versus ‘self’ recognition (Science 2013). Dozens of trainees have secured positions in academia or industry around the world. Discher has been elected to the US National Academy of Medicine, the US National Academy of Engineering, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and he serves on Editorial Boards of Science, Molecular Biology of the Cell, and PNAS Nexus among other journals.
10:30am, Shaffer 3