  In this paper we use a simple toy model to explore the function of the gene
Osteosarcoma-9. We are in particular interested in understanding the role of
this gene as a potent anti-apoptotic factor. The theoretical description is
constrained by experimental data from induction of apoptosis in cells where
OS-9 is overexpressed. The data available suggest that OS-9 promotes cell
viability and confers resistance to apoptosis, potentially implicating OS-9 in
the survival of cancer cells. Three different apoptosis inducing mechanisms
were tested and are here modelled. More complex and realistic models are also
discussed.
