Computational Modeling of PI3K/AKT and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Melanoma Cancer

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Saverio Candido (Creator)

Salvatore Cavalieri (Creator)

Massimo Libra (Creator)

James A. McCubrey (Creator)

Santo Motta (Creator)

Ferdinando Nicoletti (Creator)

Francesco Pappalardo (Creator)

Marzio Pennisi (Creator)

Giulia Russo (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Background Malignant melanoma is an aggressive tumor of the skin and seems to be resistant to current therapeutic approaches. Melanocytic transformation is thought to occur by sequential accumulation of genetic and molecular alterations able to activate the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and/or the PI3K/AKT (AKT) signalling pathways. Specifically, mutations of B-RAF activate MAPK pathway resulting in cell cycle progression and apoptosis prevention. According to these findings, MAPK and AKT pathways may represent promising therapeutic targets for an otherwise devastating disease. Result Here we show a computational model able to simulate the main biochemical and metabolic interactions in the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways potentially involved in melanoma development. Overall, this computational approach may accelerate the drug discovery process and encourages the identification of novel pathway activators with consequent development of novel antioncogenic compounds to overcome tumor cell resistance to conventional therapeutic agents. The source code of the various versions of the model are available as S1 Archive.; Extracted text

Additional Information

Publication

Other

PLoS ONE; 11:3 p. 1-10

Language: English

Date: 2016

Email this document to