Computational and mathematical models of the JAK-STAT signal transduction pathway

The JAK (Janus kinase)-STAT (Signal transducer and activator of transcription) signal transduction pathway is a cascade of downstream cellular events initiated from outside of the cell through the cell surface to the DNA in the nucleus, causing transcription. The conventional modeling approach for signal transduction pathways involves solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs). We study here a computational alternative. We build two models of 46 reactions in the JAKSTAT pathway and compare the results. We implement a deterministic mathematical model using the ODEs solver COPASI, and we build a stochastic computational model using the Stochastic Pi Machine (SPiM). Since dysregulation in the functionality of JAK-STAT pathway results in immune deficiency syndrome and cancers, like lymphomas, leukemia and breast cancer, we believe that models like this have the potential to contribute to cancer research.