Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology
Quantitative approaches like spatial transcriptomics, metabolomics, cryo-electron microscopy, single-molecule imaging, and machine learning are revolutionizing our understanding of the biological systems relevant for human health. In this systems setting, successful development and use of such approaches requires cooperation amongst individuals who care deeply about biological mechanisms and bring expertise from areas like physics, chemistry, computer science, statistics, and mathematics to bear on fundamental questions. The Physiology, Biophysics, and Systems Biology (PBSB) graduate program is a home for such faculty and trainees. Together, we answer questions such as:
- How does the three-dimensional architecture and rearrangement of the chromatin network control cellular programming?
- How are dynamics coordinated across a macromolecular assembly to mediate transmembrane signaling?
- How is the interplay between tumor cells and the immune system regulated by the stromal environment?
- How are complex biological spatial patterns assembled with stereotyped precision?
- How is the selectivity of molecular interactions established?
- What is the basis for targeted protein and drug trafficking, transport, and recognition in cells and organs?
- What are the design principles optimizing information flow in electrogenic tissue?
To begin tackling such questions, students in the PBSB program can choose to emphasize either of two complementary areas of concentration in quantitative biology, Bioinformatics or Biophysics.
Bioinformatics focuses on how information is expressed and organized in molecular and cellular systems, drawing heavily from the fields of computer science and statistics. Coursework in Bioinformatics therefore focuses on building expertise with the algorithms and high-throughput strategies used to understand the organization of biological information at the genetic, proteomic, cellular systems levels. In their research, students use and advance approaches such as single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, multi-omic integration, and deep learning to identify patterns in normal and pathological settings that guide mechanistic understanding, therapeutic strategy, and drug development.
Biophysics focuses on how the interactions of various components in molecular and cellular systems generate and process information, relying on theoretical and experimental approaches from physics, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering. Biophysics coursework therefore develops an understanding of fundamental biophysical principles with wide-ranging applications to proteins, membranes, macromolecular systems, intracellular signaling pathways, and cellular network function. In their research, students use and advance techniques such as single-molecule imaging, atomic-force microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, electrophysiology, optogenetics, magnetic resonance imaging, multi-photon fluorescence microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, network theory and simulations, and machine learning algorithms to uncover biophysical mechanisms underlying health and disease.
This training in quantitatively understanding how information is organized and processed in biological systems develops scientists poised to make impactful contributions to human health.