Time accelerated Monte Carlo simulations of biological networks using the binomial τ-leap method

Abstract

Summary: Developing a quantitative understanding of intracellular networks requires simulations and computational analyses. However, traditional differential equation modeling tools are often inadequate due to the stochasticity of intracellular reaction networks that can potentially influence the phenotypic characteristics. Unfortunately, stochastic simulations are computationally too intense for most biological systems. Herein, we have utilized the recently developed binomial τ-leap method to carry out stochastic simulations of the epidermal growth factor receptor induced mitogen activated protein kinase cascade. Results indicate that the binomial τ-leap method is computationally 100-1000 times more efficient than the exact stochastic simulation algorithm of Gillespie. Furthermore, the binomial τ-leap method avoids negative populations and accurately captures the species populations along with their fluctuations despite the large difference in their size. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.