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Modeling Formalisms in Systems Biology of Apoptosis

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Systems Biology of Apoptosis

Abstract

Apoptosis is a form of cellular suicide central to various aspects in biology including tissue homeostasis, embryonic development, carcinogenesis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Quantitative modeling approaches provided valuable insights into the digital and irreversible nature of apoptosis initiation. In this chapter, we summarize the mathematical formalisms used in systems biology of apoptosis. In addition, we give an overview of apoptosis-related research questions that can be addressed by modeling. Moreover, we review top-down and bottom-up modeling approaches applied to apoptosis, and particularly focus on ordinary differential equation (ODE) modeling. Basic concepts such as bistability and sensitivity analysis are introduced, and a review of apoptosis-related ODE models is provided. We describe bistability, temporal switching, crosstalk between death and survival, and also discuss approaches to model cell-to-cell variability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, DKFZ and BioQuant, Heidelberg, Germany

    Stefan Kallenberger

  2. Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany

    Stefan Legewie

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  1. Stefan Kallenberger
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  2. Stefan Legewie
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Correspondence to Stefan Legewie .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Otto von Guericke University, Department of Translational Inflammation, Institute of Experimental Internal Medic, N/A, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany

    Inna N. Lavrik

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Kallenberger, S., Legewie, S. (2012). Modeling Formalisms in Systems Biology of Apoptosis. In: Lavrik, I. (eds) Systems Biology of Apoptosis. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4009-3_1

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