StoMP
Stochastic dynamical Modelling for Prokaryotic gene regulatory networks
A BBSRC supported research network, part of the Mathematical Tools for Systems Biology (MATSYB) programme.
The aim of this network is to create a strong UK research community at the mathematics/physical science/microbiology interface, in the area of stochastic dynamical modelling of gene regulation.
To further this we endeavour to:
- organise a series of research and dissemination-focused workshops
- run a website and mailing list to co-ordinate UK efforts in this area
- provide funding for a number of collaborative research visits between network members
- create new research collaborations, especially between microbiologists and modellers, leading to collaborative publications over a 3-year timescale
- prepare several collaborative grant applications to BBSRC and EPSRC over a 3-year timescale
Our research objectives are to:
- bring together UK microbiologists, mathematicians and physical scientists, to use stochastic dynamical modelling for "real-life" problems pertaining to bacterial response and behaviour — specifically, contribute to understanding stochastic effects in gene regulation in response to environmental stresses, in communal living (biofilm formation and quorum sensing) and in gene transfer (especially plasmid regulation)
- encourage microbiologists to make measurements that can be directly used to test models for stochastic gene expression — advance existing techniques and develop new ones in stochastic dynamical modelling, through sharing of expertise between modellers
Our dissemination objectives are to:
- disseminate stochastic dynamical modelling to relevant scientific communities, including biologists, mathematicians, computer scientists and physicists
- disseminate cutting-edge software for stochastic simulation
- increase links with the overseas research community in this area by inviting overseas researchers to workshops and other events
- increase links with the UK health-care and food industries by inviting representatives to participate in network workshops