Nyman E, Cedersund G, Strålfors P. Insulin signaling - mathematical modeling comes of age.
Trends Endocrinol Metab 2012;
23:107-15. [PMID:
22285743 DOI:
10.1016/j.tem.2011.12.007]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Signaling pathways that only a few years ago appeared simple and understandable, albeit far from complete, have evolved into very complex multi-layered networks of cellular control mechanisms, which in turn are integrated in a similarly complex whole-body level of control mechanisms. This complexity sets limits for classical biochemical reasoning, such that a correct and complete analysis of experimental data while taking the full complexity into account is not possible. In this Opinion we propose that mathematical modeling can be used as a tool in insulin signaling research, and we demonstrate how recent developments in modeling - and the integration of modeling in the experimental process - provide new possibilities to approach and decipher complex biological systems more efficiently.
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