Computational Models of Calcium Signaling in the Pancreas-Temporal and Spatial Regulations

Abstract

The major function of exocrine pancreas (pancreatic acinar cells) is the secretion of digestive enzymes. This process is regulated by neurotransmitters and hormones, both of which utilize Ca as a principal signaling molecule. Ca signals exhibit various temporal (transient/oscillatory) and spatial (local/global) patterns depending on the agonists and the strength of the stimulations. It has been known that the patterns rise from the interactions between Ca transporters, second messengers (IP3, cADPR, and NAADP) and Ca-stores (the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and the nuclear envelop) and we have been investigating what interactions can generate or affect particular patterns of Ca signals. We developed computational models of Ca signaling in the pancreatic acinar cells to obtain detailed quantitative information from experimental data as well as to improve the theoretical understanding of the processes, particularly Ca oscillations.