Queueing theory model of pentose phosphate pathway

Authors

Sylwester M. Kloska, Nicolaus Copernicus University Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum
Krzysztof Pałczyński, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology
Tomasz Marciniak, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology
Tomasz Talaśka, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology
Marissa Miller, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Beata J. Wysocki, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Paul H. Davis, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Tadeusz A. Wysocki, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

3-17-2022

Citation

Scientific Reports | (2022) 12:4601 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08463-y

Comments

Open access.

Abstract

Due to its role in maintaining the proper functioning of the cell, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is one of the most important metabolic pathways. It is responsible for regulating the concentration of simple sugars and provides precursors for the synthesis of amino acids and nucleotides. In addition, it plays a critical role in maintaining an adequate level of NADPH, which is necessary for the cell to fight oxidative stress. These reasons prompted the authors to develop a computational model, based on queueing theory, capable of simulating changes in PPP metabolites’ concentrations. The model has been validated with empirical data from tumor cells. The obtained results prove the stability and accuracy of the model. By applying queueing theory, this model can be further expanded to include successive metabolic pathways. The use of the model may accelerate research on new drugs, reduce drug costs, and reduce the reliance on laboratory animals necessary for this type of research on which new methods are tested.