Mechanistic and modular approaches to modeling and inference of cellular regulatory networks

Abstract

In this chapter we wish to present a vision of systems biology as a discipline that generates new insight and knowledge with quantitative and predictive explanatory power at the system level. We will review work that combines quantitative measurements and mathematical and computational modeling of signaling networks to link molecular mechanisms to physiological responses. An emerging synergistic modeling approach is presented that uses novel approaches to network inference, molecular dynamic simulations, chemical kinetics and reaction-diffusion equations, and functional modularization in biochemical networks.