The Odde Lab is focused on how the fundamental thermodynamics, kinetics, diffusive transport, and mechanics of the molecular components of the cell enable basic cellular functions such as migration, division, and polarization. From these studies we are seeking to then understand how these go awry in the context of diseases such as brain cancer and Alzheimer's disease, and take corrective therapeutic action.

We use an integrated modeling-experimental approach, developing physics-based models that are predictive of cell behavior in an effort to identify potential therapeutic strategies via computer simulation, constrained by live cell microscopy imaging.

In collaboration with other groups at UMN and Mayo Clinic, the Odde group is developing a cell migration simulator, which is the focus of a Physical Sciences in Oncology Center (PSOC) that Dr. Odde directs. In collaboration with other groups at UMN and U of Pennsylvania, we are developing a simulator for the interaction of microtubules and the protein tau, which plays an important role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Finally, we seek to more broadly integrate biophysical modeling and simulation into preclinical studies and clinical trials, so we can better stratify patients and de-risk new therapeutics.

Education

• BChE, Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1988
• MS, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University, 1992
• PhD, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University, 1995

Selected Publications

Isomursu, A., K.-Y. Park, J. Hou, B. Cheng, G. Shamsan, B. Fuller, J. Kasim, M.M. Mahmoodi, T.J. Lu, G.M. Genin, F. Xu, M. Lin, M. Distefano, J. Ivaska, and D.J. Odde, “Negative durotaxis: cell movement toward softer environments,” Nature Materials. 2022 PubMed PMID: 35817964.

Bangasser BL, Shamsan GA, Chan CE, Opoku KN, Tüzel E, Schlichtmann BW, Kasim JA, Fuller BJ, McCullough BR, Rosenfeld SS, Odde DJ. Shifting the optimal stiffness for cell migration. Nat Commun. 2017 May 22;8:15313. PubMed PMID: 28530245; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5458120.

Gardner MK, Charlebois BD, Jánosi IM, Howard J, Hunt AJ, Odde DJ. Rapid microtubule self-assembly kinetics. Cell. 2011 Aug 19;146(4):582-92. PubMed PMID: 21854983; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3171214.

Chan CE, Odde DJ. Traction dynamics of filopodia on compliant substrates. Science. 2008 Dec 12;322(5908):1687-91. PubMed PMID: 19074349.