Speaker: Tianyong Yao (University of Michigan)
Title: Mathematical modeling of daily dopamine rhythms and optimal timing of dopamine reuptake inhibitors
Abstract: Our internal biological clock, or circadian rhythm, significantly shapes daily behaviors like sleep and wakefulness. Interestingly, this internal timing also influences how effectively our bodies respond to certain medications, especially those targeting dopamine signaling in the brain. In our research, we built a simplified mathematical model to understand these daily fluctuations and their impact on dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DRIs), drugs often used to regulate neurotransmission. We found our streamlined model aligns closely with previous, more complex frameworks, providing valuable insights with greater simplicity. By examining how administering DRIs at different times affects dopamine levels, we can explain why some administration schedules produce stronger daily variations in dopamine. Additionally, we explored how drug properties like half-life and inhibitory strength affect system stability. Using numerical simulations (performed in MATLAB), we reveal critical insights into optimal drug timing, shedding new light on chronopharmacology and opening doors for personalized therapeutic strategies.