Systems and Computational Biophysics

My lab uses mathematical modeling and analysis, along with computer simulations, to help answer biological questions in neuroscience and physiology. We have extensive collaborations with other theorists and experimental labs at FSU and elsewhere. We often use techniques from nonlinear dynamics, fast/slow analysis, and network science in our analysis. Biological topics of interest change over time, but currently include mechanisms of oscillation and synchronization in endocrine cells, and the neural basis of taste and olfaction.

Prof. Chase's research interests are in the physiology and biophysics of striated (cardiac and skeletal) muscles. His primary focus is Ca2+-regulation of contraction by thin filaments that are comprised of proteins actin, tropomyosin and troponin, and alteration of Ca2+-regulation by genetic variants of these thin filament proteins that are associated with cardiomyopathies. Computation is an important complement to our experimental studies on muscle. Diffusion with reaction modeling in the context of biochemical reactions (fixed and diffusible) within the myofilament lattice provides quantitative insights into the roles of product inhibition in muscle fatigue. Monte Carlo simulations provide evidence that evolution has tuned myofilament compliance to optimize muscle force, paralleling macroscopic observations that human running performance can be enhanced by optimizing the compliances of running tracks and running shoes. Ca2+-dependent, isometric muscle kinetics (kTR) and force relationships can be fit to computational models by embedding systems of differential equations within a nonlinear least squares regression (Simplex) algorithm. Thin filament cooperativity can be evaluated at the level of individual filaments through statistical analysis of cryo-EM images.

My lab uses modeling, mathematical analysis, and computer simulations to understand and solve problems in neuroscience and cell biology. We collaborate with experimentalists and clinicians within and outside of FSU. We use nonlinear dynamics, control systems theory, and theory of stochastic processes to build multiscale models of various biophysical actions. Topics of interest change with time. Currently, we focus on mechanisms underlying olfaction, control systems framework for understanding genetic regulatory networks, and the cellular basis for neurodegenerative disease.

The Roper Lab at Florida State University focuses on the intersection of analytical chemistry, cellular biology, and engineering to develop advanced analytical tools for studying biological systems. Their research emphasizes understanding cellular communication and metabolism, particularly in relation to diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders. The lab utilizes cutting-edge techniques like microfluidics, high resolution separations (chromatography and electrophoresis), and mass spectrometry to explore these complex biological processes at a molecular level.