Why Build Whole-Cell Models?

Javier Carrera; Markus W Covert

doi:10.1016/j.tcb.2015.09.004

Why Build Whole-Cell Models?

Trends Cell Biol. 2015 Dec;25(12):719-722. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2015.09.004. Epub 2015 Oct 21.

Authors

Javier Carrera¹, Markus W Covert²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305-4125, USA.
² Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305-4125, USA. Electronic address: mcovert@stanford.edu.

Abstract

Our ability to build computational models that account for all known gene functions in a cell has increased dramatically. But why build whole-cell models, and how can they best be used? In this forum, we enumerate several areas in which whole-cell modeling can significantly impact research and technology.

Keywords: model-driven discovery; predictive biology; whole-cell modeling.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cell Physiological Phenomena / physiology*
Computational Biology / methods*
Humans
Models, Biological*

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding