Continuous Time Markov Chain Models of Voltage Gating of Gap Junction Channels

Abstract

The major goal of this study was to create a continuous time Markov chain (CTMC) models of voltage gating of gap junction (GJ) channels formed of connexin protein. This goal was achieved by using the Piece Linear Aggregate (PLA) formalism to describe the function of GJs and transforming PLA into Markov process. Infinitesimal generator of CTMC was used to automate construction of Markov chain model from description of the system using PLA formalism. Developed Markov chain models were used to simulate gap junctional conductance dependence on transjunctional voltage. The proposed method was implemented to create models of voltage gating of GJ channels containing 4 and 12 gates. CTMC modeling results were compared with the results obtained using a discrete time Markov chain (DTMC) model. It was shown that CTMC modeling requires less CPU time than an analogous DTMC model.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.itc.43.2.3198