Mathematical Modeling of the influence of RKIP on the ERK signaling pathway

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of the Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) on the Extracellular signal Regulated Kinase (ERK) signaling pathway through mathematical modeling and simulation. Using nonlinear ordinary differential equations to represent biochemical reactions in the pathway, we suggest a technique for parameter estimation, utilizing time series data of proteins involved in the signaling pathway. The mathematical model allows the simulation the sensitivity of the ERK pathway to variations of initial RKIP and ERK-PP (phosphorylated ERK) concentrations along with time. Throughout the simulation study, we can qualitatively validate the proposed mathematical model compared with experimental results.