Lecture
This lecture discusses the application of control theory to protein aggregation, particularly focusing on amyloid fibers associated with various diseases. The instructor introduces the concept of control systems, explaining how they regulate the output of dynamical systems. The lecture emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms of protein aggregation and how control theory can help in developing inhibitors to manage this process. The instructor presents mathematical models that describe the dynamics of protein aggregation, including primary and secondary nucleation processes. The discussion extends to the role of liquid condensates in directing aggregation, highlighting how these structures can act as controllers to enhance or inhibit aggregation. Experimental data from model systems, such as C. elegans, is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of different drug administration strategies in controlling aggregation. The lecture concludes with insights into future research directions, including the interplay between chaperones and aggregation processes, and the potential for optimizing control strategies in biological systems.