Weakly nonlinear analysis of a model of signal transduction pathway involving membrane based recptors

Abstract

We present the result of our construction and analysis of a model for a signal transduction pathway which involves membrane based receptors, mediated by G-protein. The process may be represented by two reaction-diffusion equations involving a stimulating hormone or first messenger and an inhibitor, both of which may diffuse over the cell membrane and bilayers. A weakly nonlinear stability analysis is then carried out yielding information concerning quantitative relation between the system parameters and stable spatial patterns which is expected to shed more light on the function and dysfunction of the pathway that can potentially be linked to different pathological conditions. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.