Network dynamics: quantitative analysis of complex behavior in metabolism, organelles and cells, from experiments to models and back

FELIX KURTZ; JACKELYN KEMBRO; ANA GEORGINA FLESIA; ANTONIS ARMOUNDAS; SONIA CORTASSA; MIGUEL AON; DAVID LLOYD

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Systems Biology and Medicine

Wiley

Año: 2016 vol. 9 p. 1 - 30

Advancing from two core traits of biological systems: multilevel network organization andnonlinearity, we review a host of novel and readily available techniques to explore andanalyze their complex dynamic behavior within the framework of experimental-computationalsynergy. In the context of concrete biological examples, analytical methods such as wavelet,power spectra, and metabolomics-fluxomics analyses, are presented, discussed, and theirstrengths and limitations highlighted. Further shown is how time series from stationary andnon-stationary biological variables and signals, such as membrane potential, high throughputmetabolomics, O2 and CO2 levels, bird locomotion, at the molecular, (sub)cellular, tissue,and whole organ and animal levels, can reveal important information on the properties of theunderlying biological networks.Systems biology-inspired computational methods start to pave the way for addressing theintegrated functional dynamics of metabolic, organelle and organ networks. As our capacityto unravel the control and regulatory properties of these networks and their dynamics undernormal or pathological conditions broadens, so is our ability to address endogenous rhythmsand clocks to improve health-span in human aging, and to manage complex metabolicdisorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer.