tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
PLoS One. 2012;7(10):e46417. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046417. Epub 2012 Oct 17.
Bio-logic builder: a non-technical tool for building dynamical, qualitative models.
Helikar T, Kowal B, Madrahimov A, Shrestha M, Pedersen J, Limbu K, Thapa I, Rowley T, Satalkar R, Kochi N, Konvalina J, Rogers JA.
Source
Department of Mathematics, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America.
Abstract
Computational modeling of biological processes is a promising tool in biomedical research. While a large part of its potential lies in the ability to integrate it with laboratory research, modeling currently generally requires a high degree of training in mathematics and/or computer science. To help address this issue, we have developed a web-based tool, Bio-Logic Builder, that enables laboratory scientists to define mathematical representations (based on a discrete formalism) of biological regulatory mechanisms in a modular and non-technical fashion. As part of the user interface, generalized "bio-logic" modules have been defined to provide users with the building blocks for many biological processes. To build/modify computational models, experimentalists provide purely qualitative information about a particular regulatory mechanisms as is generally found in the laboratory. The Bio-Logic Builder subsequently converts the provided information into a mathematical representation described with Boolean expressions/rules. We used this tool to build a number of dynamical models, including a 130-protein large-scale model of signal transduction with over 800 interactions, influenza A replication cycle with 127 species and 200+ interactions, and mammalian and budding yeast cell cycles. We also show that any and all qualitative regulatory mechanisms can be built using this tool.
PMID:
23082121
[PubMed - in process]
PMCID:
PMC3474764
Free PMC Article
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23082121
Bio-logic builder: a non-technical tool for building dynamical, qualitative models.
Helikar T, Kowal B, Madrahimov A, Shrestha M, Pedersen J, Limbu K, Thapa I, Rowley T, Satalkar R, Kochi N, Konvalina J, Rogers JA.
Source
Department of Mathematics, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America.
Abstract
Computational modeling of biological processes is a promising tool in biomedical research. While a large part of its potential lies in the ability to integrate it with laboratory research, modeling currently generally requires a high degree of training in mathematics and/or computer science. To help address this issue, we have developed a web-based tool, Bio-Logic Builder, that enables laboratory scientists to define mathematical representations (based on a discrete formalism) of biological regulatory mechanisms in a modular and non-technical fashion. As part of the user interface, generalized "bio-logic" modules have been defined to provide users with the building blocks for many biological processes. To build/modify computational models, experimentalists provide purely qualitative information about a particular regulatory mechanisms as is generally found in the laboratory. The Bio-Logic Builder subsequently converts the provided information into a mathematical representation described with Boolean expressions/rules. We used this tool to build a number of dynamical models, including a 130-protein large-scale model of signal transduction with over 800 interactions, influenza A replication cycle with 127 species and 200+ interactions, and mammalian and budding yeast cell cycles. We also show that any and all qualitative regulatory mechanisms can be built using this tool.
PMID:
23082121
[PubMed - in process]
PMCID:
PMC3474764
Free PMC Article
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23082121