Modeling Signal Transduction Using P Systems

Abstract

Cellular signalling pathways are fundamental to the control and regulation of cell behavior. Understanding of biosignalling network functions is crucial to the study of different diseases and to the design of effective therapies. In this paper we present P systems as a feasible computational modeling tool for cellular signalling pathways that takes into consideration the discrete character of the components of the system and the key role played by membranes in their functioning. We illustrate these cellular models simulating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling cascade and the FAS–induced apoptosis using a deterministic strategy for the evolution of P systems.