Systems Biology: The Interplay of Systems and Control Research and Biology?

摘要

1.Introduction The analysis, understanding and alteration of biological systems, has been the subject of a large research effort, particularly in recent years. However, despite a rapid growth in research and the many advances that have been made, the number and effectiveness of new treatments is hampered by a number of factors, including the complexity and diversity of biological systems. This has lead to a situation where the cost of developing new drugs is increasing at a rate much higher than in-flation [1]. To help combat these difficulties, mathematical tools may be employed to help interpret, guide and aid biological discoveries. One recent approach to using mathematical tools in this context has been termed 'Systems Biology'.