Article/Book Listings
Szeto, G.Z. and Finley, S.D. (2019) “Integrative approaches to cancer immunotherapy". Current Opinion in Systems Biology. 5(7), 400-410. ^, Co-corresponding authors.
Abstract: Cancer immunotherapy aims to arm patients with cancer-fighting immunity. Many new cancer-specific immunotherapeutic drugs have gained approval in the past several years, demonstrating immunotherapy’s efficacy and promise as an anticancer modality. Despite these successes, several outstanding questions remain for cancer... Read More
Keywords: systems approaches, computational modeling, machine learning, bioinformatics, systems-level data
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu
Li, D. and Finley, S.D. (2019) “Exploring the extracellular regulation of the tumor angiogenic interaction network using a systems biology model". Frontiers in Physiology. 10, 823
Abstract: Tumor angiogenesis is regulated by pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. Anti-angiogenic agents target the interconnected network of angiogenic factors to inhibit neovascularization, which subsequently impedes tumor growth. Due to the complexity of this network, optimizing anti-angiogenic cancer treatments requires detailed knowledge... Read More
Keywords: angiogenesis; anti-angiogenic therapy; compartmental model; mathematical model; systems biology.
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu
Wu, Q. and Finley, S.D. (2019) “Modeling cell signaling in heterogeneous cancer environments". Current Opinion in Systems Biology. 17, 15-23.
Abstract: Computational modeling of signaling pathways involved in physiological and pathological conditions has greatly improved our understanding of complex biological systems. Such modeling has also inspired design and optimization of therapeutic strategies for diseases. In this review, we highlight mechanistic models... Read More
Keywords: Systems biology, Mathematical modeling, Mathematical oncology, Mechanistic modeling, Immune cell signaling, Multi-cellular models, Angiogenesis, Cellular metabolism, Kinetic modeling
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu
Cess, C.G. and Finley, S.D. (2020) “Data-driven analysis of a mechanistic model of CAR T cell signaling predicts effects of cell-to-cell heterogeneity". Journal of Theoretical Biology. 489, 110205
Abstract: Due to the variability of protein expression, cells of the same population can exhibit different responses to stimuli. It is important to understand this heterogeneity at the individual level, as population averages mask these underlying differences. Using computational modeling, we... Read More
Keywords: Intracellular signaling, Computational modeling, Partial least-squares
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu
Makaryan, S.Z., Cess, C.G. and Finley, S.D. (2020) “Modeling immune cell behavior across scales in cancer". WIREs Systems Biology and Medicine. e1484. ^ Equal contributions
Abstract: Detailed, mechanistic models of immune cell behavior across multiple scales in the context of cancer provide clinically relevant insights needed to understand existing immunotherapies and develop more optimal treatment strategies. We highlight mechanistic models of immune cells and their ability... Read More
Keywords: immune cell signaling; multiscale modeling; systems biology; tumor-immune interactions.
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu
Rohrs, J.A., Siegler, E.L., Wang, P. and Finley, S.D. (2020) “ERK activation in CAR T cells is amplified by CD28-mediated increase in CD3ζ phosphorylation". iScience. 23(4), 101023.
Abstract: Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are engineered receptors that mediate T cell activation. CARs are comprised of activating and co-stimulatory intracellular signaling domains derived from endogenous T cells that initiate signaling required for T cell activation, including ERK activation through the MAPK pathway. Understanding... Read More
Keywords: Immunology Immunology Theories Computational Bioinformatics
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu
Wu, Q. and Finley, S.D. (2020) “Mathematical model predicts effective strategies to inhibit VEGF-eNOS signaling". Journal of Clinical Medicine. 9(5): 1255.
Abstract: The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway in endothelial cells has multiple physiological significances. It produces nitric oxide (NO), an important vasodilator, and enables a long-term proliferative response, contributing to angiogenesis. This signaling pathway is mediated by vascular endothelial... Read More
Keywords: tumor angiogenesis; Thrombospondin-1; differential equation modeling; cell signaling
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu
Makaryan, S.Z.. and Finley, S.D. (2020) “Enhancing network activation in natural killer cells: predictions from in silico modeling". Integrative Biology. 12(5): 109-121.
Abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and are capable of killing diseased cells. As a result, NK cells are being used for adoptive cell therapies for cancer patients. The activation of NK cell stimulatory receptors... Read More
Keywords: immune cell signaling; mathematical model; parameter estimation.
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu
Song, M. and Finley, S.D. (2020) “ERK and Akt exhibit distinct signaling responses following stimulation by pro- angiogenic factors". Cell Communication and Signaling. 18(1): 114.
Abstract: Background: Angiogenesis plays an important role in the survival of tissues, as blood vessels provide oxygen and nutrients required by the resident cells. Thus, targeting angiogenesis is a prominent strategy in many different settings, including both tissue engineering and cancer treatment.... Read More
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Computational modeling; Growth factor signaling; Sensitivity analysis.
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu
Mortlock, R.D. and Finley, S.D. (2020) “Dynamic regulation of JAK-STAT signaling through the prolactin receptor predicted by computational modeling". Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering.
Abstract: Introduction The expansion of insulin-producing beta cells during pregnancy is critical to maintain glucose homeostasis in the face of increasing insulin resistance. Prolactin receptor (PRLR) signaling is one of the primary mediators of beta cell expansion during pregnancy, and loss... Read More
Keywords: Systems biology, Mathematical modeling, Mathematical oncology, Mechanistic modeling, Immune cell signaling, Multi-cellular models, Angiogenesis, Cellular metabolism, Kinetic modeling
Contact: sfinley@usc.edu