溯经典之源，探交叉之本。与我们共赴物理生物学经典读书会（Physical Biology Journal Club），回到伟大思想诞生的现场！
Topic: Biochemical Switches (II): Positive Feedback and Cellular Memory
Speaker: Gehua WENG, PhD Student, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University
Time: 16:00-17:30, Thursday, November 05, 2026
Venue: E14-326 (tentative), Research Center, Westlake University
Reference: Xiong W, Ferrell JE Jr. A positive-feedback-based bistable "memory module" that governs a cell fate decision. Nature. 2003;426:460–465. doi:10.1038/nature02089.
Key Words: Positive Feedback, Bistability, Cellular Memory, MAPK Signaling, Stability Analysis
Abstract: How can a cell remember a transient stimulus? Building on the first session on ultrasensitivity, we will focus on Xiong and Ferrell's 2003 study of Xenopus oocyte maturation: the evidence for persistent kinase activity, the role of positive feedback, and the model connecting these observations. We will work through steady states and stability to distinguish a steep response from bistability and cellular memory.
读书会简介：物理生物学读书会由西湖大学交叉科学中心（CIS）师生共同发起，每周四在轻松自由的氛围中，深入研读物理生物学领域的经典文献，通过追本溯源，激发思想碰撞，促进跨学科交流与合作。
发起人：钱紘，徐小婵
主讲人：以博士后和博士生为核心，全员开放！我们热忱欢迎每一位希望分享的主讲人。
参与成员：欢迎全校所有对物理生物学等交叉领域有浓厚兴趣的师生加入。
地点：科研中心 E14-326 或 E14-349 会议室
形式：读书会每周聚焦物理生物学领域的一篇经典论文或书籍章节，通过主讲人领读与集体讨论，理解相关领域的核心概念、理论与模型，系统梳理该领域的基础知识、核心问题与研究范式。
Overview: The Physical Biology Journal Club is a weekly Friday lunchtime event hosted by the faculty and students of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS). Our goal is to help everyone learn about how key concepts and groundbreaking discoveries have shaped and inspired the entire research fields. Through lively, in-depth discussion of classic physical biology papers and books, we explore the history, foundational principles, research methodologies, and the remarkable stories of the scientists behind them. Join us to connect with the roots of physical biology and spark ideas in a welcoming environment.
Organizers: Hong Qian, Xiaochan Xu
Speaker: Led by postdocs & PhDs, and everyone can be a host!
Audience: All with a strong interest in physical biology are warmly welcomed.
Venue: E14-326 or E14-349, Research Center, Westlake University
Contact Information
Ms. Shujie Du (杜舒节), dushujie@westlake.edu.cn, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS)
