Title: A cell-matrix model of anabolic and catabolic dynamics during cartilage biomolecule regulation

Authors: Asit K. Saha; Sean S. Kohles

Addresses: Center for Allaying Health Disparities through Research and Education (CADRE), Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio, 45384, USA. ' Regenerative Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, Oregon, 97207, USA; Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA

Abstract: Physiologic regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in articular cartilage tissue is controlled by cellular and molecular mechanisms which are not fully understood. It has been observed that the synthesis of the ECM structural molecules, glycosaminoglycan and collagen are promoted by growth factors such as IGF-1 and TGF-ß. Concomitant ECM degradation is promoted by a variety of cytokines such as IL-1. The clinical need for reparative therapies of articular cartilage is linked with its poor intrinsic healing capacity. The following modelling approach was applied to engineered cartilage as a platform for exploring cartilage biology and to introduce a predictive tool as a bioinformatic support system supporting regenerative therapies. Systems biology was adapted through a mathematical framework producing a computational intelligence paradigm to explore a controlled phasic regulatory influence of the inhibition and production of ECM biomolecules. Model outcomes describe a steady synthesis of ECM as a dependence on a cyclic influence of the catabolic action of proteases and anabolic action of growth factors. This relationship is shown quantitatively in a governing harmonic equation representing the simplified biological mechanisms of biomolecule homeostasis.

Keywords: articular cartilage tissue; chondrocytes; extracellular matrix; ECM biomolecules; growth factors; cytokines; cell-matrix modelling; anabolic dynamics; catabolic dynamics; cartilage biomolecule regulation; bioinformatics; computational intelligence; biomolecule homeostasis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCIH.2012.046995

International Journal of Computers in Healthcare, 2012 Vol.1 No.3, pp.214 - 228

Published online: 30 Oct 2014 *

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