Multi-scale models of acute inflammation

Faculty : Nagasuma Chandra (BC) and N. Srinivasan (MBU)

Acute inflammation is a complex response to almost all types of infection and injury, a range of external and internal cues. It is centred around the innate immune system and is regulated by a highly complex and intricate network of cytokines and a host of other molecules. A dynamic balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors, regulators and other adaptor molecules defines the nature and extent of inflammation and the outcome of the pathology.  A systems perspective is necessary to obtain a quantitative appreciation of the induction, extent, duration, regulation and resolution of inflammation.

This project involves the use of genomic, transcriptomic data from model systems as well as patient samples and develop predictive models of disease subtype, severity and resolution. The project will involve the use of distinct computational approaches for utilizing genomics and multi-omics data to develop models at multiple scale and integrate them to obtain fundamental insights as well as obtain pointers for clinical translation. Models span a wide range of levels from individual molecules involving protein sequence and 3-D structural analysis, modeling of large molecular assemblies to cellular level models of genome-wide metabolism and signaling, protein-protein interaction networks and system-wide effect of anti-inflammatory drugs.