Journal Article

Mathematical Modeling of Calcium Waves Induced by Mechanical Stimulation in Keratinocytes

Denda, Mitsuhiro, Sanno, Yumi, Kitahata, Hiroyuki, Goto, Makiko, Kumamoto, Junichi, Nakata, Satoshi, Sawabu, Yusuke, Kobayashi, Yasuaki, Sakai, Akihiko, Nagayama, Masaharu, Tsutsumi, Moe

2014

Overview

Recent studies have shown that the behavior of calcium in the epidermis is closely related to the conditions of the skin, especially the differentiation of the epidermal keratinocytes and the permeability barrier function, and therefore a correct understanding of the calcium dynamics is important in explaining epidermal homeostasis. Here we report on experimental observations of in vitro calcium waves in keratinocytes induced by mechanical stimulation, and present a mathematical model that can describe the experimentally observed wave behavior that includes finite-range wave propagation and a ring-shaped pattern. A mechanism of the ring formation hypothesized by our model may be related to similar calcium propagation patterns observed during the wound healing process in the epidermis. We discuss a possible extension of our model that may serve as a tool for investigating the mechanisms of various skin diseases.

• Publisher: Public Library of Science,Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subject: Adenosine Triphosphate - metabolism / Analysis / Biology and Life Sciences / Biomechanical Phenomena / Calcium / Calcium permeability / Calcium Signaling / Calcium signalling / Computer and Information Sciences / Epidermis / Epidermis - cytology / Gap Junctions - metabolism / Homeostasis / Humans / Keratinocytes / Keratinocytes - cytology / Keratinocytes - metabolism / Mathematical analysis / Mathematical models / Mechanical Phenomena / Mechanical stimuli / Medicine and Health Sciences / Models, Biological / Permeability / Physical Sciences / Propagation / Science / Skin / Skin diseases / Stimulation / Studies / Wave propagation / Wound healing