Sensitivity analysis of deterministic signaling pathways models

2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Puszyński ◽  
P. Lachor ◽  
M. Kardyńska ◽  
J. Śmieja

Abstract The paper is focused on application of sensitivity methods to analysis of signaling pathway models. Two basic methods are compared: local, based on standard sensitivity functions, and global, based on Sobol indices. Firstly, a general outline of modeling of signaling pathways by means of ordinary differential equations is briefly described. Afterwards, the methods of sensitivity analysis, known from literature, are introduced and illustrated with a simple example of a dynamical system of the second order. Subsequently, the analysis of the p53/Mdm2 regulatory module, which is a key element of any pathway involving p53 protein, is presented. The results of this analysis suggest that no single method should be chosen for investigation of any signaling pathway model but several of them should be applied to answer important questions about sources of heterogeneity in cells behavior, robustness of signaling pathways and possible molecular drug targets.

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malgorzata Kardynska ◽  
Jaroslaw Smieja

Abstract The paper is focused on sensitivity analysis of large-scale models of biological systems that describe dynamics of the so called signaling pathways. These systems are continuous in time but their models are based on discrete-time measurements. Therefore, if sensitivity analysis is used as a tool supporting model development and evaluation of its quality, it should take this fact into account. Such models are usually very complex and include many parameters difficult to estimate in an experimental way. Changes of many of those parameters have little effect on model dynamics, and therefore they are called sloppy. In contrast, other parameters, when changed, lead to substantial changes in model responses and these are called stiff parameters. While this is a well-known fact, and there are methods to discern sloppy parameters from the stiff ones, they have not been utilized, so far, to create parameter rankings and quantify the influence of single parameter changes on system time responses. These single parameter changes are particularly important in analysis of signalling pathways, because they may pinpoint parameters, associated with the processes to be targeted at the molecular level in laboratory experiments. In the paper we present a new, original method of creating parameter rankings, based on an Hessian of a cost function which describes the fit of the model to a discrete experimental data. Its application is explained with simple dynamical systems, representing two typical dynamics exhibited by the signaling pathways.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fan Yao ◽  
Ming Zhang ◽  
Li Chen

Excessive lipid accumulation in adipose tissue is either the source of obesity or the cause and result of chronic local inflammation, and recent studies indicate that the accumulation may induce many other specialized immunologic features with macrophages and epidemic diseases. We analyze the effective stages of immune cells in adipose tissue, including macrophage recruitment, macrophage polarization, and macrophage-like phenotype preadipocyte possession to find optimal sites as drug targets. Subsequently, some main signaling pathways are summarized in this review, including the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, the JNK signaling pathway, and a novel one, the Notch signaling pathway. We illustrate all these points in order to determine the general pathogenesis of chronic low-grade local inflammation in adipose tissue and the related signaling pathways. In addition, signal-associated prospective compounds, such as berberine, are summarized and discussed with potential targets in pathogenesis. This might provide some possible thoughts and novel therapies for studying chronic inflammatory diseases, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.


2008 ◽  
Vol 47 (02) ◽  
pp. 104-148
Author(s):  
M. Breit ◽  
B. Pfeifer ◽  
C. Baumgartner ◽  
R. Modre-Osprian ◽  
B. Tilg ◽  
...  

Summary Objectives: Presently, the protein interaction information concerning different signaling pathways is available in a qualitative manner in different online protein interaction databases. The challenge here is to derive a quantitative way of modeling signaling pathways from qualitative way of modeling signaling pathways from a qualitative level. To address this issue we developed a database that includes mathematical modeling knowledge and biological knowledge about different signaling pathways. Methods: The database is part of an integrative environment that includes environments for pathway design, visualization, simulation and a knowledge base that combines biological and modeling information concerning pathways. The system is designed as a client-server architecture. It contains a pathway designing environment and a simulation environment as upper layers with a relational knowledge base as the underlying layer. Results: DMSP – Database for Modeling Signaling Pathways incorporates biological datasets from online databases like BIND, DIP, PIP, and SPiD. The modeling knowledge that has been incorporated is based on a literature study. Pathway models can be designed, visualized and simulated based on the knowledge stored in the DMSP. The user can download the whole dataset and build pathway models using the knowledge stored in our database. As an example, the TNF? pathway model was implemented and tested using this approach. Conclusion: DMSP is an initial step towards the aim of combining modeling and biological knowledge concerning signaling pathways. It helps in understanding pathways in a qualitative manner from a qualitative level. Simulation results enable the interpretation of a biological system from a quantitative and systemtheoretic point of view.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Kashif Iqubal ◽  
Aiswarya Chaudhuri ◽  
Ashif Iqubal ◽  
Sadaf Saleem ◽  
Madan Mohan Gupta ◽  
...  

: At present, skin cancer is a widespread malignancy in human beings. Among diverse population types, Caucasian populations are much more prone in comparison to darker skin populations due to the comparative lack of skin pigmentation. Skin cancer is divided into malignant and non-melanoma skin cancer, which is additionally categorized as basal and squamous cell carcinoma. The exposure to ultraviolet radiation, chemical carcinogen (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, tar, etc.), and viruses (herpes virus, human papillomavirus, and human T-cell leukemia virus type-1) are major contributing factors of skin cancer. There are distinct pathways available through which skin cancer develops, such as the JAKSTAT pathway, Akt pathway, MAPKs signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, to name a few. Currently, several targeted treatments are available, such as monoclonal antibodies, which have dramatically changed the line of treatment of this disease but possess major therapeutic limitations. Thus, recently many phytochemicals have been evaluated either alone or in combination with the existing synthetic drugs to overcome their limitations and have found to play a promising role in the prevention and treatment. In this review, complete tracery of skin cancer, starting from the signaling pathways involved, newer developed drugs with their targets and limitations along with the emerging role of natural products alone or in combination as potent anticancer agents and their molecular mechanism involved has been discussed. Apart from this, various nanocargos have also been mentioned here, which can play a significant role in the management and treatment of different types of skin cancer.


Author(s):  
Md. Junaid ◽  
Yeasmin Akter ◽  
Syeda Samira Afrose ◽  
Mousumi Tania ◽  
Md. Asaduzzaman Khan

Background: AKT/PKB is an important enzyme with numerous biological functions, and its overexpression is related to the carcinogenesis. AKT stimulates different signaling pathways that are downstream of activated tyrosine kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, hence functions as an important target for anti-cancer drugs. Objective: In this review article, we have interpreted the role of AKT signaling pathways in cancer and natural inhibitory effect of Thymoquinone (TQ) in AKT and its possible mechanism. Method: We have collected the updated information and data on AKT, their role in cancer and inhibitory effect of TQ in AKT signaling pathway from google scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, Scopus and many more. Results: There are many drugs already developed, which can target AKT, but very few among them have passed clinical trials. TQ is a natural compound, mainly found in black cumin, which has been found to have potential anti-cancer activities. TQ targets numerous signaling pathways, including AKT, in different cancers. In fact, many studies revealed that AKT is one of the major targets of TQ. The preclinical success of TQ suggests its clinical studies on cancer. Conclusion: This review article summarizes the role of AKT in carcinogenesis, its potent inhibitors in clinical trials, and how TQ acts as an inhibitor of AKT and TQ’s future as a cancer therapeutic drug.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ijaz Muhammad ◽  
Noor Rahman ◽  
Gul E. Nayab ◽  
Sadaf Niaz ◽  
Mohibullah Shah ◽  
...  

Background: Cancer is characterized by overexpression of p53 associated proteins, which down-regulate P53 signaling pathway. In cancer therapy, p53 activity can be restored by inhibiting the interaction of MDMX (2N0W) and MDM2 (4JGR) proteins with P53 protein. Objective: In the current, study in silico approaches were adapted to use a natural product as a source of cancer therapy. Methods: In the current study in silico approaches were adapted to use a natural product as a source of cancer therapy. For in silico studies, Chemdraw and Molecular Operating Environment were used for structure drawing and molecular docking, respectively. Flavonoids isolated from D. carota were docked with cancerous proteins. Result: Based on the docking score analysis, we found that compound 7 was the potent inhibitor of both cancerous proteins and can be used as a potent molecule for inhibition of 2N0W and 4JGR interaction with p53. Conclusion: Thus the compound 7 can be used for the revival of p53 signaling pathway function however, intensive in vitro and in vivo experiments are required to prove the in silico analysis.


Rice ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingfang Dong ◽  
Lian Zhou ◽  
Aiqing Feng ◽  
Shaohong Zhang ◽  
Hua Fu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although panicle blast is more destructive to yield loss than leaf blast in rice, the cloned genes that function in panicle blast resistance are still very limited and the molecular mechanisms underlying panicle blast resistance remain largely unknown. Results In the present study, we have confirmed that the three Oxalate oxidase (OXO) genes, OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 from a blast-resistant cultivar BC10 function in panicle blast resistance in rice. The expression of OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 were induced by panicle blast inoculation. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the three OXO proteins are all localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Simultaneous silencing of OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 decreased rice resistance to panicle blast, whereas the OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 overexpression rice plants individually showed enhanced panicle blast resistance. More H2O2 and higher expression levels of PR genes were observed in the overexpressing plants than in the control plants, while the silencing plants exhibited less H2O2 and lower expression levels of PR genes compared to the control plants. Moreover, phytohormone treatment and the phytohormone signaling related gene expression analysis showed that panicle blast resistance mediated by the three OXO genes was associated with the activation of JA and ABA signaling pathways but suppression of SA signaling pathway. Conclusion OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 positively regulate panicle blast resistance in rice. The OXO genes could modulate the accumulation of H2O2 and expression levels of PR gene in plants. Moreover, the OXO genes mediated panicle blast resistance could be regulated by ABA, SA and JA, and may be associated with the activation of JA and ABA signaling pathways but suppression of the SA signaling pathway.


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