The signal transduction process is one by which an external signal is detected by the cell and converted into cellular responsive actions leading to changes in secondary messengers, such as cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) or intracellular calcium. Calcium is an important second messenger and has been the subject of numerous experimental investigations and dynamic studies in intracellular signaling. Defects in the signaling process involving the calcium-sensing receptors can lead to faulty re-adjustments of circulating calcium level. Dimerization process has also been proposed to play an important role in the efficiency of the receptor responses. Here, we construct and simulate a Monte Carlo cellular automata model coupled with a system of difference equations to model receptor binding, trafficking, and dimerization triggered by an agonist, while keeping track of the concentration of cytosolic free calcium by using a system of difference equations.
['Chontita Rattanakul', 'Yongwimon Lenbury']
Cellular automata simulation of signal transduction and calcium dynamics with healthy and faulty receptor trafficking