Computational Cellular Mathematical Model Aids Understanding the cGAS-STING in NSCLC Pathogenicity

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. According to 2020 reports, globally, 2.2 million cases are reported every year, with the mortality number being as high as 1.8 million patients. To study NSCLC, systems biology offers mathematical modeling as a tool to understand complex pathways and provide insights into the identification of biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, which aids precision therapy. Mathematical modeling, specifically ordinary differential equations (ODEs), is used to better understand the dynamics of cancer growth and immunological interactions in the tumor microenvironment. This study highlighted the dual role of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS/STING) pathway's classical involvement in regulating type 1 interferon (IFN I) and pro-inflammatory responses to promote tumor regression through senescence and apoptosis. Alternative signaling was induced by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mutated tumor protein p53 (p53), and programmed death-ligand1 (PD-L1), which lead to tumor growth. We identified key regulators in cancer progression by simulating the model and validating it with the following model estimation parameters: local sensitivity analysis, principal component analysis, rate of flow of metabolites, and model reduction. Integration of multiple signaling axes revealed that cGAS-STING, phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), and Ak strain transforming (AKT) may be potential targets that can be validated for cancer therapy. Key features • Procedures for the reconstruction of a robust and steady-state mathematical model with respective analysis in order to provide mechanistic insights. • The dynamic mathematical model allows an understanding of the multifaceted dual roles of cGAS-STING in NSCLC promotion and inhibition. • The inherent statistical tool in systems biology provides a novel immunotherapeutic target.