In this article, the application of systems analysis to complex regulatory phenomena in biology was reviewed. It is regarded as an emerging interdisciplinary field of systems biology based on the extensive use of a range of mathematical modeling tools allowing the integration of various regulation levels - from the molecular level to the level of the entire system. Understanding the complex biological systems relies upon the analysis of structure, design, methods of control/coordination and dynamics. The methodology of analysis is presented by considering examples from cellular signaling networks and the immune response regulation. The concepts of feedback and feedforward regulation, modularity and redundancy, which are central for the robust performance of biological systems, are discussed. Some typical structural and regulatory patterns in molecular networks underlying certain types of response behavior (e.g. biphasic response) are described, and the foundations of the computational modeling of complex biological processes grounded in the mathematical systems theory and information-theoretic approaches are outlined. We present a case study on the robustness of the dendritic cell (DC)-based cytotoxic Tlymphocyte(CTL) priming aimed at identifying the control parameters, which relies upon mathematical modeling in conjunction with experimental examination.

This content is only available via PDF.
2005
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.