A Waddingtonian Perspective on Cell Fate and Spatial Patterns

Explore cell fate determination and spatial pattern formation through the lens of Waddington's epigenetic landscape in this conference talk by Archishman Raju from the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences. Delve into how Waddington's conceptual framework of developmental canalization and cell fate decisions can be applied to understand the emergence of spatial patterns in biological systems. Learn about the theoretical foundations that connect cell fate specification to the formation of organized spatial structures during development. Examine how the metaphor of cells rolling down valleys in an epigenetic landscape provides insights into both individual cell fate choices and collective pattern formation processes. Discover the mathematical and conceptual tools used to model these complex biological phenomena within the context of high-dimensional biophysics. Gain understanding of how low-dimensional theoretical frameworks can effectively describe the seemingly complex processes of cellular differentiation and spatial organization. This presentation is part of the "Unifying Theories in High-Dimensional Biophysics" program, which aims to identify common theoretical principles across diverse biological systems and explore how simplified models can capture essential features of complex biological processes.