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Low probability Bid-Bax reaction generates heterogeneity in apoptosis resistance of cancer and cancer stem cells

Variability in the tumorigenic potential among cancer cells within a tumor population is an unresolved fundamental issue in cancer biology. It is important to know whether cancer cells with higher tumorigenic potential, such as cancer stem cells, are only a small subpopulation. We attempt to address the question of variability in tumorigenic potential based on the heterogeneity in apoptosis resistance of cancer cells. We use stochastic differential equations and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to explore the mechanisms that generate cell-to-cell variability in apoptosis resistance of cancer cells. In our model, a simplified scheme of apoptosis signaling reactions is developed focusing on the proapoptotic Bid-Bax reaction and its inhibition by Bcl-2 like antiapoptotic proteins. We show how a combination of low probability Bid-Bax reaction along with overexpressed reactant molecules allows specific killing of cancer cells, especially under targeted therapy such as Bcl-2 inhibition. This low probability Bid-Bax reaction protects normal cells from accidental apoptosis but generates cell-to-cell stochastic variability in apoptotic activation of cells equipped with overexpressed Bid and Bax molecules. We further demonstrate that cellular variations in Bcl-2 / Bax ratio, within a cancer cell population, can affect the intrinsic fluctuations arising from the stochastic Bid-Bax reaction and thereby provides a mechanism for origin of cells with higher tumorigenic potential. We discuss the implications of our results for cancer therapy, such as, optimal strategies to minimize stochastic fluctuations in cancer cell death.