Modeling and controlling TGF-β pathway using standard Petri Nets
Niloofar Nickaeen, Jafar Ghaisari, Yousof Gheisari, Shiva Moein · 2015
Cell growth is controlled by some factors known as growth factors. One of these growth factors is a substance called TGF-β. Any malfunction in the system which growth factors perform in, results in drastic cell growth thus cell death. The aim of this study is to control the system of TGF-β growth factor in the case of fibrosis, a condition created by malfunction in the pathway of TGF-β. A model of TGF-β pathway is proposed using standard Petri Nets. Then a control is proposed not only to control the amount of TGF-β in the pathway but also to observe the law of conservation of matter as the absolute rule in biological systems. The results clearly show the control of TGF-β concentration in the pathway. The research may provide a basis for drug design and determination of target reactants to control fibrosis.