Intracellular Calcium Dynamics: Biophysical and Simplified Models

Abstract

Calcium ions are an important second messenger in living cells. A fundamental approach for studying calcium signalling is the combination of state-of-the-art experimental techniques with spatiotemporal mathematical models of calcium regulation. Extensive modelling work on calcium oscillations and waves consists of a variety of theoretical/computational methods and models of different complexity. Some models can be assigned to a category of biologically realistic, detailed models, analysis of which is restricted to numerical methods. Other models can be placed in a category of simplified, minimal models susceptible to mathematical analysis. In this chapter, we provide an overview of a number of models for intracellular calcium dynamics belonging to both categories. Both types of models complement each other nicely and are vital for a better understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in cellular calcium signalling.