Mathematical Modeling of Calcium Dynamics in Ameloblasts.

Abstract

A key aspect of biological studies is the reliance on computation, including the use of mathematical models to mimic the behaviour of cellular functions and networks. Quantitative descriptions of biological processes typically rely on physics and chemistry and thus the generated models are mechanistic e.g. they explain behavior. With some exceptions, such models have been lacking in studies of ameloblasts biology and physiology, in part due to the absence of experimental observations. Here we provide a computational model for Ca²⁺ dynamics in ameloblasts based on recent quantitative data, allowing us to investigate how dynamic forces operate in ameloblasts at the secretory and maturation stages. We simulate the effects of mutations occurring in key Ca²⁺ handling proteins. Finally, we compare how ameloblasts differ from other non-mineralizing cell systems.