Optimal information processing in biophysical networks

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K03473
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 13010:Mathematical physics and fundamental theory of condensed matter physics-related
• Research Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
• Principal Investigator: Pigolotti Simone 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, 生物複雑性ユニット, 教授 (30812193)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): CHIUCHIU Davide 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, 生物複雑性ユニット, ポストドクトラルスカラー (40817491)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Information processing / Polymerization / Kinetic Proofreading / Speed-error tradeoff / Chemical networks / Information theory

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The goal of this project was to characterize the optimal performance of molecules that replicate information. The most important examples in biology are the molecules responsible of copying DNA. Our project has clarified the physical limit of these molecules in terms of their speed, accuracy, and dissipation. We also studied the variability of their performance, and how one can use this variability to understand the functioning of these molecules. Our project was theoretical in nature but we also tested our predictions in collaboration with experimental groups. We studied, in particular, speed variability during bacterial DNA replication and how one can optimize the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a process that finds numerous applications in biology.

Free Research Field

Physics

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

From the scientific point of view, our project made significant steps to understand replication of information in biology in a quantitative way. Its application can have a deep societal relevance for understanding genetic diseases and for optimizing widely used techniques such as PCR.