Computational modelling of the BRI1 receptor system

Abstract

Computational models are useful tools to help understand signalling pathways in plant cells. A systems biology approach where models and experimental data are combined can provide experimentally verifiable predictions and novel insights. The brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (BRI1) receptor is one of the best-understood receptor systems in Arabidopsis with clearly described ligands, mutants and associated phenotypes. Therefore, BRI1-mediated signalling is attractive for mathematical modelling approaches to understand and interpret the spatial and temporal dynamics of signal transduction cascades in planta. To establish such a model, quantitative data sets incorporating local protein concentration, binding affinity and phosphorylation state of the different pathway components are essential. Computational modelling is increasingly employed in studies of plant growth and development. In this section, we have focused on the use of quantitative imaging of fluorescently labelled proteins as an entry point in modelling studies. BRI1 mediated brassinosteroid signaling in Arabidopsis is suitable for mathematical modeling approaches. This can be helpful to position the components of the BR signalosome and to understand and interpret its complex biological output. The focus of this review is on a number of recent modeling studies. Future developments will require additional quantitative data, to be generated using fluorescently labeled reporters. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.