Mathematical Model aided understanding of Signal Transduction Pathways at the example of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) signaling

Overview - Project Background - TNF Background - Student Projects In the frame of the SFB 495 a group of researchers from the IST and ISR (now as well MPI Magdeburg) in collaboration with the Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology (IZI, Stuttgart) have build a model describing TNF signaling. There are two main aims for the near future. First, with new data at hand (both own and from literature) the model should be rebuild and get newly implemented. Second, a smaller model focussing on the apoptotic pathway (see below) engaged by TNF should be developed using a stochastic rather than a deterministic approach. Theoretical should extend this work. As a broader outlook we plan to combine the new TNF signaling model with other signaling network models to gain understanding on the next level - crosstalk between different cytokines. The Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) signaling network, for example, was also mathematically modeled (Nature Biotechnology (2002) Apr; 20(4):370-5) and is already under investigation with the current implementation of the TNF network.

For further information please contact Thomas Eissing.