Controlling speed of cell decisions: molecular mechanisms harnessing criticality and transient dynamics

Friday, 15 May 2026, 11am to 12pm

Cells make decisions across developmental biology, immunology, and synthetic biology. These processes are typically described using systems of ordinary differential equations, where mathematical analysis focuses on steady-state solutions. However, understanding how the timing of cell decisions is controlled requires moving beyond this paradigm. In this talk, I will discuss two complementary molecular mechanisms for controlling dynamical speed. First, I will show how timing can be regulated through critical slowing down, and how combining different bifurcations can generate emergent temporal behaviours even in small gene regulatory networks. Secondly, I will address developmental tempo, where embryos from different species execute remarkably similar genetic programmes at different speeds. I will present a mathematical framework based on orbit invariance that allows us to explore potential molecular mechanisms underlying species-specific differences in developmental timing.

Speaker(s): Dr Ruben Perez-Carrasco (Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London)

Series: Mathematical Biology and Ecology Seminar Series

Venue: Mathematical Institute - L4 - L4 Mathematical Institute Woodstock Road Oxford Oxfordshire OX2 6GG United Kingdom

Department: Mathematical Institute (Department)

Organiser: Sara Jolliffe

Host: Dr Carles Falco Gandia