A mathematical model and computer simulation study of insulin receptor regulation

A homeomorphic mathematical model of cell surface insulin receptor regulation is developed. The overall structure of the model is based on molecular mechanisms suggested by in vivo and in vitro experimental evidence from many different cell types. Model parameters correspond to cellular processes which are constrained by known boundry value conditions. As an example, computer simulation results are compared with published data from BC3H-1 myocytes in culture. With appropriate parameter choice, this model is able to simulate data from other cell types. Cellular processes which are explicitly represented in the model include: bound and unbound receptor endocytosis, receptor recycling, intracellular receptor degradation, and state-dependent receptor synthesis. Most of these processes are represented as first-order events. Using more complex representations of the model structure with higher order rate constants or saturable pathways does not qualitatively improve simulation results. Simulations are able to reproduce ligand-induced down and up regulation of receptors as well as the initial spontaneous display of surface insulin receptors. To demonstrate the behavior of our model and illustrate its utility for explaining insulin receptor regulation for a variety of conditions, simulations for which experimental data is unavailable for direct comparison are also shown. We believe the structure of our model is sufficient to explain insulin receptor regulation in a wide variety of cell types. In addition our model may aid in understanding the receptor component of insulin resistance (decreased sensitivity or responsiveness to insulin) seen in pathological states such as obesity and diabetes mellitus. Finally, this model may be applicable to the study of the regulation of other polypeptide hormone receptors.