A fundamental challenge in cell biology is to understand and quantitatively predict how population growth of cells results from heterogenous single cell division kinetics. This is particularly important in understanding the response of cells to drugs, for example in the treatment of diseases like cancer. Fluctuations in various cellular components drive divergent fates of single cells in response to drugs. Recent advances in microscopy and theoretical/computational tools are beginning to allow quantitative characterization of these fluctuations, which can be leveraged to probe fundamental questions on the control of cellular decision making. Our lab combines theory with experiments to study cellular proliferation at the single cell level – uncover its underlying physical principles, control mechanisms and consequences in development and disease. We use a variety of live and fixed cell imaging techniques on the experimental side, and methods borrowed from statistical physics, stochastic modeling, biostatistics and machine learning on the theoretical end in this endeavour. Our lab’s ultimate goal is to develop novel ways of bringing together theory and experiment to translate a basic understanding of cellular proliferation and its control to more clinically relevant settings.
 
shaon research figure
 
For more details, see the Research page.
 
We are hiring now at all levels! If you are interested in our lab’s research and want to have fun doing experiments, theory or both, send me an email at shaon@ncbs.res.in along with your CV and a short paragraph describing your interests — I would be happy to chat and discuss possibilities.