Applied Maths Seminar: Coster -- Cellular protein transport: inference and model development

This week, Adelle Coster (UNSW) will visit us and give a talk for the seminar in the
usual slot (Carslaw 275, Wednesday 1pm).  Beforehand, we will go to lunch at Taste at
12pm.  All welcome, free lunch for students.  

Title: Cellular protein transport: inference and model development 

Abstract: Mathematical models are created for a variety of reasons.  One of the most
common is to give insight into the operation of systems.  This can be enabled through
the optimisation of model structures and the inference of model parameters - to see
whether the model captures the behaviour of the system.  Some models can address the
question of what may happen or change in a system under different circumstances.  Others
are more tuned to look at how the system may operate to enact these changes.  

Some deterministic and stochastic modelling and parameter inference paradigms are
explored through the lens of protein transport in cells, particularly the
insulin-stimulated translocation of the glucose transporter GLUT4.  Such systems have
relatively sparse data available.  

A bottom-up approach is outlined showing model construction and hypothesis testing using
from different sources to simultaneously constrain the model parameters.  Different
methods of fit assessment and model comparisons are discussed, allowing insights to be
made into the operation of the cellular system.