Use this URL to cite or link to this record in EThOS: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.675314
Title: Towards a better understanding of the evolution of senescence, apoptosis and tumour growth
Author: Vinayak, Aasis
ISNI:       0000 0004 5370 9937
Awarding Body: University of Surrey
Current Institution: University of Surrey
Date of Award: 2015
Availability of Full Text:
Access from EThOS:
Access from Institution:
Abstract:
Senescence (ageing) and apoptosis (programmed cell death) are phenomena that have troubled theoreticians and experimentalists. Previous research showed that the mortality curve of the yeast population followed the Gompertz-Makeham equation. We develop a generalised theoretical model which shows that the mortality of the organism can be expressed as a function of Ageing Factors such as ERCs. We use this idea to explain why senescence leads to apoptosis. Antagonistic pleiotropy and disposable soma theory suggest that senescence (and accordingly apoptosis) is a `side effect'. Although the altruistic benefits of apoptosis have been suggested before, we are attempting to show that in a resource-restricted environment, apoptosis can be a strategic choice. We show that the interactions between apoptotic and non-apoptotic organisms can be modelled using game theory and differential equations. We find that switching to apoptotic mode gives the organism an advantage over the non-apoptotic organisms in a resource-restricted environment. Mathematical analysis indicates that apoptosis is a stable strategy provided the conditions remain the same. We also find that one apoptotic organism can invade a population of non-apoptotic organisms. This begs the question - why do tumours (which are non-apoptotic) occur if apoptosis is the best strategy? We show that apoptosis and angiogensis play a significant role in the development of tumours. We studied the effects of these two parameters on the dynamics of tumour and apoptotic populations. We find that the mixed strategy of avoidance of apoptosis and angiogenesis gives neoplasms an advantage over apoptotic organisms in certain conditions. Accordingly, the tumour organisms can invade apoptotic tissues. We also find that this strategy is not beneficial in the long-term.
Supervisor: Grüning, André Sponsor: University of Surrey
Qualification Name: Thesis (Ph.D.) Qualification Level: Doctoral
EThOS ID: uk.bl.ethos.675314  DOI: Not available
Share: