Numerical modeling of molecular-motor-assisted transport of adenoviral vectors in a spherical cell

Abstract

Viral gene delivery in a spherical cell is investigated numerically. The model of intracellular trafficking of adenoviruses is based on molecular-motor-assisted transport equations suggested by Smith and Simmons. These equations are presented in spherical coordinates and extended by accounting for the random component of motion of viral particles bound to filaments. This random component is associated with the stochastic nature of molecular motors responsible for locomotion of viral particles bound to filaments. The equations are solved numerically to simulate viral transport between the cell membrane and cell nucleus during initial stages of viral infection.

Keywords:

• molecular motors
• motor-assisted transport
• viral trafficking
• viral transport

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge NATO Collaborative Linkage Grant (CBP. NUKR. CLG 981714).