Feedback Control in Biological
Signaling Pathways
Department of Electrical
and Computer Engineering
Biological
signaling pathways are composed of large "networks" of
interconnected molecular components, many of which involve considerable
feedback and are highly nonlinear.
The subsystems comprising the network are subject to control by many
independent events, and thus defy attempts to describe clear cut
cause-and-effect relationships. Because of these features, the complete
understanding of how these systems work presents a problem of daunting
complexity to researchers.
The traditional approach has been to "break" these networks
into their components to study them separately. This reductionist paradigm has led to many breakthroughs, but
alone cannot provide a full understanding of the system. Only recently has it begun to be
appreciated that new techniques and approaches are needed to
understand these networks.
Feedback control theory is commonly used in engineering practice as a
means of regulating man-made systems. In this talk we discuss how a study of biological signaling
pathways using the tools of control systems may lead to special
insight into our understanding of how biology works.
Friday, September 27, 2002
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.