Modeling Cancer Adaptive Landscapes

To model cancer adaptive landscapes we use “g” functions

What is a “function”?

A mathematical function relates input to output. You may recognize this from high school or college math classes, e.g., f(x) = x2.  (f= function name; x=input; y=output)

What is  a “G function”? 

A G function is a fitness function for a population.  

A fitness function is a mathematical function that can be used to summarize how well a set of parameters (inputs) fulfills a particular aim (output).  

In this case, the “set of parameters” is the set of strategies/trait values/phenotypes and the “aim” is fitness.   

G-function models focus on the phenotypes that directly influence the species fitness.  All members of the species are on the same G-function, even if their phenotype varies widely (for example, Dalmations, Shi-tzus, and Rangos are all dogs and all are on the same function.)

Pictures above are no treatment simulations. These plots were produced using the G-function software tool’s ”Drug Resistance” model. To recreate these plots, simply run the model as is using the 2D graph type (left panel) and 3D graph type (right panel). Available through the link below.