Predictive model identifies strategies to enhance TSP1-mediated apoptosis signaling

This study explores strategies to enhance thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) induced apoptosis in endothelial cells, an important function that contributes to TSP1’s anti-angiogenic effect. We established a mathematical model of TSP1-mediated intracellular signaling via the CD36 receptor. This model was used to investigate the effects of several approaches to perturb the TSP1-CD36 signaling network. Model simulations predict the population-based response to strategies to enhance TSP1-mediated apoptosis, such as downregulating the apoptosis inhibitor XIAP and inhibiting phosphatase activity. The model also postulates a new mechanism of low dosage doxorubicin treatment in combination with TSP1 stimulation. Using computational analysis, we predict which cells will undergo apoptosis, based on the initial intracellular concentrations of particular signaling species. Overall, the modeling framework predicts molecular strategies that increase TSP1-mediated apoptosis, which is useful in many disease settings.