The effects of non-inhibitory serpin maspin on cell migration using an artificial neural network

Maspin (Mammary Serine Protease Inhibitor) is a non-inhibitory member of the serpin family of protease inhibitors that influences multiple cellular functions including adhesion, migration, and invasion in tumour malignancy. In this paper, we describe a computational model of the effects of exogenous maspin on cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. To date, the whole cellular mechanisms of maspin impact on cellular behaviors have not been clearly defined in any computational model. In this paper, we have used a feedforward artificial neural network to define cell signaling and cellular automata approach to define the each and every cell behavior. Results show that maspin reduces migration and invasion by 10-40% and 15-30% respectively; confirmed by published in vitro data. This is the first attempt to model the effects of maspin using a computational model to verify in vitro data. This will provide new insights into the tumour suppressive properties of maspin and inform the development of novel cancer therapies.