Biomedical Models of Cellular and Physiological Systems and Disease

Diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, HIV and blood disorders present challenges to our society, our healthcare and our basic scientific understanding of physiological processes within the human body. Mathematical modelling can be used to help scientists decipher the processes at work in these complex diseases at a molecular, cellular and organ level. Recently, research team members examined the ways in which drugs such as Filgrastim could be used to replenish levels of white blood cells, a common challenge following chemotherapy. They also investigated an abnormal, potentially toxic protein (or amyloid) which is associated with Alzheimer’s. Additionally, a diabetes-related amyloid was studied using mathematical computer modeling which helped the team to decipher how fibers of the amyloid form and grow. This discovery is significant in the design of potential drug inhibitors to prevent the damaging effect of forms of the protein.