Model for Osteosarcoma-9 as a Potent Factor in Cell Survivor and Resistance to Apoptosis

Vourvouhaki, Ekaterini; Carvalho, Carla; Aguiar, Paulo

Model for Osteosarcoma-9 as a Potent Factor in Cell Survivor and Resistance to Apoptosis

Authors

Vourvouhaki, Ekaterini

Carvalho, Carla

Aguiar, Paulo

Description

In this paper we use a simple toy model to explore the function of the gene Osteosarcoma-9. We are in particular interested in understanding the role of this gene as a potent anti-apoptotic factor. The theoretical description is constrained by experimental data from induction of apoptosis in cells where OS-9 is overexpressed. The data available suggest that OS-9 promotes cell viability and confers resistance to apoptosis, potentially implicating OS-9 in the survival of cancer cells. Three different apoptosis inducing mechanisms were tested and are here modelled. More complex and realistic models are also discussed.
24 pages, 16 pictures, version accepted for publication in PRE