A collaboration with the John Innes Centre, Norwich, on developing computational models of plant growth with particular interest in leaves and flowers.
Recent papers include:
1. Whibley, A.C., N.B. Langlade, C. Andalo, A.I. Hanna, A. Bangham, Thebaud, and E. Coen, Response to Comment on "Evolutionary Paths Underlying Flower Color Variation in Antirrhinum". Science, 2007. 315: p. 461b.
2. Lee, K., J. Avondo, H. Morrison, L. Blot, M. Stark, J. Sharpe, A. Bangham, and E. Coen. Visualizing Plant Development and Gene Expression in Three Dimensions Using Optical Projection Tomography. in Plant Cell. 2006.
3. Whibley, A.C., N.B. Langlade, C. Andalo, A.I. Hanna, A. Bangham, Thebaud, and E. Coen, Evolutionary Paths Underlying Flower Color Variation in Antirrhinum. Science, 2006. 313(5789): p. 963 - 966.
4. Bangham, A.J., B.d.l. Iglesia, G. Buratti, and D. Montesi, Data Model and Query Languages for Biological Databases. Multimedia Communications E-Letter of the IEEE Communications Society, 2005. 2(2): p. 7-10.
5. Courtenay, A. and B. J.A., Creata: artcard creation software utilising the sieve algorithm. 2005, Fo2PiX: Cambridge. (Commercial software package)
6. Langlade, N., Z. Feng, T. Dransfield, L. Copsey, A. Hanna, C. Thebaud, J.A. Bangham, A. Hudson, and E. Coen, Evolution through genetically controlled allometry space. Proc. of the National Academy of Sciences, 2005. 102(29): p. 10221-10226.
7. Rolland-Lagan, A.-G., E. Coen, S. Impey, and J.A. Bangham, A computational method for inferring growth parameters and shape changes during development based on clonal analysis. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 2005. 232(2): p. 157-177.
8. Coen, E., A.-G. Rolland-Lagen, M. Matthews, J.A. Bangham, and P. Prusinkiewicz, The genetics of geometry. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, 2004. 14: p. 4728-4735.
Current grants include:
| 2006-2008 | Developmental genetics of allometric variation between species |
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Much of the variation between species and varieties involved correlated differences in shape and size (allometric variation). Computational methods are being developed to describe such changes quantitatively in both 2D and 3D. The observed allometric changes are related to regional differences in growth, determined by clonal analysis and tracking of landmarks, and to the cell proliferation and expansion involved in this growth. (BBSRC BBD5223701) |
| 2008-2011 | Spatio-temporal modeling network on plant systems (STEMN) |
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The network brings together a wide variety of modellers, with expertise in the key mathematical, statistical and computational techniques, with leading plant scientists. A series of workshops has been planned that has been specifically designed to facilitate the interdisciplinary interactions that will be required to realise the ambitious goal of developing Virtual Plants, which are now being addressed in several international programmes in Plant Systems Biology. (BBSRC BBF0038971) |
| 2008-2013 | A Multiscale Approach to Genes, Growth and Geometry |
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To understand the dynamics and genetic control underlying shape, we will use a combination experimental analysis, image-processing, computer modelling to study and integrate leaf growth at multiple scales. (1) At the subcellular level, the dynamics of microtubule synthesis in growing leaf cells at various stages and locations will be tracked in 3D. The observed behaviour will be modelled and tested through analysis of mutants or plants treated with cytoskeletal inhibitors. (2) At the cellular level, the pattern of cell growth and division will be determined for multiple regions of a growing leaf by live 3D imaging. Suitable computer languages will be developed for modelling this behaviour based on local interactions between multiple units growing in parallel. The models will be tested by analysing the effects of modifying gene activity at particular places and times on leaf growth. (3) At the organ level, leaf growth in 3D will be tracked using Optical Projection Tomography, Confocal microscopy and fluorescent marking. A modelling framework will be developed that allows the observed cellular and tissue properties to be integrated with the action of genes. Models will be tested by experimental perturbation of local gene activity. This will be aided by developing a system for quantifying the 3D shapes of a diverse collection of mutants that affect leaf shape and size at various stages of development. (4) At the whole plant level, leaf growth will be incorporated into a virtual plant in which local interactions between modules account for the dynamics of growth and architecture. By interfacing the models at different scales, an integrated view of plant development should emerge. The project will also train a new cohort of interdisciplinary scientists familiar with concepts and methods that range from molecular genetics, developmental biology, bio-imaging, image-processing to computer modelling. (BBSRC BBF0055551) |
