Mathematical modelling of hepatic lipoprotein metabolism

Optimising the rate at which the human body extracts cholesterol from the blood stream is currently of great interest due to its implication on health. The current proposal aims to formulate mathematical models of the processes by which lipoproteins are transported across cell membranes and either stored or broken down. Current experimental results provide some insight into the mechanisms by which cells take in lipoproteins and these suggest that the various types of lipoprotein particles compete for receptors which are located in pits on the surface of cells. We propose to model the evolution of concentrations of these different species of lipoproteins - both inside and outside the cells, the concentrations of receptors on the cell surface, and so construct a mathematical model of the system which can predict the behaviour of these quantities at a cellular scale. The rate constants for such a model can be calibrated by comparison with experimental results. This model will then enable us to make predictions as to how the cells behave in the human body, where they are exposed to a continual supply of hypatocytes. We will also be able to predict how cells' responses to a variety of diets, and the consequent effect on cholesterol level.