Mississippi State University Associate Professor Shantia Yarahmadian is utilizing mathematical modeling to investigate the influence of common metals on the aggregation of a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease. His recent research aims to explore how these metals might affect the formation of plaques associated with the disease and how potential therapies could intervene in this process.
The findings were published in the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology and extend Yarahmadian’s ongoing work on mathematical models related to Alzheimer’s disease.
“Every biological phenomenon occurs in the physical world—in space and time—and involves changes in shape, quantity and matter,” Yarahmadian remarked. He noted that mathematics allows researchers to uncover patterns, test hypotheses, and make predictive insights that purely observational methods may overlook. He emphasized that while math does not replace laboratory work, it enhances understanding by mapping the larger systems at play and guiding future experimental designs.
Yarahmadian’s framework simulates the reactions through which metals like copper and zinc may influence the aggregation of amyloid-beta proteins and the subsequent plaque formation. The model also assesses two potential methods for disrupting this aggregation process. To validate the model, Yarahmadian and his team compared its predictions with experimental data gathered using atomic force microscopy, a technique for analyzing microscopic aggregates.
The model successfully replicated laboratory observations, suggesting that it is not merely theoretical but has practical applications in understanding and potentially controlling how these protein aggregates form.
“What drew me to Alzheimer’s research is the combination of its profound human impact and its extraordinary biological complexity,” Yarahmadian stated. He aims to leverage mathematical modeling to identify crucial mechanisms that could inform future experimental and therapeutic research efforts.
Reference: Yarahmadian S, Alzahrani Y, Ojha V. Metal-ion-mediated amyloid-β aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease: A mathematical model of chelation and inhibitory therapies. Bull Math Biol. 2026;88. doi: 10.1007/s11538-026-01732-1
