Genetic Programming Inside a Cell

Jacob, Christian; Burleigh, Ian

doi:10.1007/0-387-28111-8_13

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Computational modeling and analysis provide insights into complex systems and can be used in education and research. Two common approaches for developing complex system abstractions are Differential Equation (DE) models [ 8 ] and multi-agent (MA) models [ 15 ]. Both modeling paradigms have their own strengths and weaknesses.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

PROKARYO: an illustrative and interactive computational model of the lactose operon in the bacterium Escherichia coli

Esmaeili

Davison

et al. 2015

BMC Bioinformatics

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BackgroundWe are creating software for agent-based simulation and visualization of bio-molecular processes in bacterial and eukaryotic cells. As a first example, we have built a 3-dimensional, interactive computer model of an Escherichia coli bacterium and its associated biomolecular processes. Our illustrative model focuses on the gene regulatory processes that control the expression of genes involved in the lactose operon. Prokaryo, our agent-based cell simulator, incorporates cellular structures, such as plasma membranes and cytoplasm, as well as elements of the molecular machinery, including RNA polymerase, messenger RNA, lactose permease, and ribosomes.ResultsThe dynamics of cellular ’agents’ are defined by their rules of interaction, implemented as finite state machines. The agents are embedded within a 3-dimensional virtual environment with simulated physical and electrochemical properties. The hybrid model is driven by a combination of (1) mathematical equations (DEQs) to capture higher-scale phenomena and (2) agent-based rules to implement localized interactions among a small number of molecular elements. Consequently, our model is able to capture phenomena across multiple spatial scales, from changing concentration gradients to one-on-one molecular interactions.We use the classic gene regulatory mechanism of the lactose operon to demonstrate our model’s resolution, visual presentation, and real-time interactivity. Our agent-based model expands on a sophisticated mathematical E. coli metabolism model, through which we highlight our model’s scientific validity.ConclusionWe believe that through illustration and interactive exploratory learning a model system like Prokaryo can enhance the general understanding and perception of biomolecular processes. Our agent-DEQ hybrid modeling approach can also be of value to conceptualize, illustrate, and—eventually—validate cell experiments in the wet lab.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%