In this paper we use a simple toy model to explore the function of the gene Osteosarcoma-9. We are in particular interested in understanding the role of this gene as a potent anti-apoptotic factor. The theoretical description is constrained by experimental data from induction of apoptosis in cells where OS-9 is overexpressed. The data available suggest that OS-9 promotes cell viability and confers resistance to apoptosis, potentially implicating OS-9 in the survival of cancer cells. Three different apoptosis inducing mechanisms were tested and are here modelled. More complex and realistic models are also discussed.
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