Difference between revisions of "Networked Feedback Systems in Biology"

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== Objectives ==
== Objectives ==


We are developing a
This project explores the application of theoretical approaches to complex systems in the domain of biological networks.  Our focus is twofold: on the development and application of analytical tools for the analysis and design of complex networks, and on the use of those techniques to construct novel biological circuits for feedback control of cellular processes.  Specific activites include:
theoretical foundation for a network science relevant to the
 
understanding and design of complex "systems of systems"
* ''Design of programmable, RNA-based platforms for control in biological networks''. We are exploring the use of RNA-based feedback circuits for regulation of biosynthetic pathways and developing methods that allow larger scale networks to be constructed in a modular fashion.
typified by biological networks. We are particularly focusing on the
 
organizational principles underlying their ``robust yet
* ''Modularity and composition of biological circuits and subsystems''. In order to build useful models for the design of large-scale biological networks, it will be necessary to combine models of smaller subnetworks that interact with each other. While the theory for such interconnection is well developed in physical and information systems, such a theory is not present in biological systems, where coupling between the indi-vidual circuits is present through a variety of mechanisms.
fragile'' aspects, scalability, and evolvability, and
 
demonstrating progress with case studies of varying detail using
* ''Analysis and design tools for complex networked systems, driven by biological circuit design''. Biology integrates computation, communications, control, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics in a way that does not allow current theories to be applied beyond small subsystems. Tools that can be used to understand and design biological control systems will require new methods that capture robustness, fragility, evolvability and modularity in new ways.  We believe that new theoretical approaches, driven by our in-terets in biological circuit design, can provide useful tools for understanding large-scale, complex networks in a variety of application areas.
familiar and concrete examples from biological networks and
network-centric technologies. Biological examples will focus on
intracellular regulatory networks and intercellular communication.


== Publications ==
== Publications ==

Revision as of 01:17, 2 January 2009

This is a joint project with John Doyle, funded by the ARO Institute for Collaborative Biotechnology. This page primarily describes the work done in Richard Murray's group.

Current participants:

  • Dionysios Barmpoutis (PhD student, CNS)
  • Elisa Franco (PhD student, CDS)
  • Ben Prindle
  • Ophelia Venturelli (PhD student, BMB)

Previous participants:

Objectives

This project explores the application of theoretical approaches to complex systems in the domain of biological networks. Our focus is twofold: on the development and application of analytical tools for the analysis and design of complex networks, and on the use of those techniques to construct novel biological circuits for feedback control of cellular processes. Specific activites include:

  • Design of programmable, RNA-based platforms for control in biological networks. We are exploring the use of RNA-based feedback circuits for regulation of biosynthetic pathways and developing methods that allow larger scale networks to be constructed in a modular fashion.
  • Modularity and composition of biological circuits and subsystems. In order to build useful models for the design of large-scale biological networks, it will be necessary to combine models of smaller subnetworks that interact with each other. While the theory for such interconnection is well developed in physical and information systems, such a theory is not present in biological systems, where coupling between the indi-vidual circuits is present through a variety of mechanisms.
  • Analysis and design tools for complex networked systems, driven by biological circuit design. Biology integrates computation, communications, control, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics in a way that does not allow current theories to be applied beyond small subsystems. Tools that can be used to understand and design biological control systems will require new methods that capture robustness, fragility, evolvability and modularity in new ways. We believe that new theoretical approaches, driven by our in-terets in biological circuit design, can provide useful tools for understanding large-scale, complex networks in a variety of application areas.

Publications

  • E. Franco, P. O. Forsberg and R. M. Murray. "Design, modeling and synthesis of an in vitro transcription rate regulatory circuit" Submitted to American Control Conference 2008.
  • M. J. Dunlop, E. Franco, R. M. Murray. "A Multi-Model Approach to Identification of Biosynthetic Pathways." In Proceedings of the 26th American Control Conference 2007.
  • J. Ugander, M. J. Dunlop, R. M. Murray. "Analysis of a Digital Clock for Molecular Computing." In Proceedings of the 26th American Control Conference 2007.

Miscellaneous