MOLECULAR PATHWAYS AS CONCURRENT SYSTEMS

 

We realized that molecules, which are structures, could be represented by their potential behavior: the process in which they may participate.  For example, according to this approach, an enzyme is the enzymatic reaction it may catalyze [example]. In fact, biochemical processes and concurrent communication systems share many features. In both cases, multiple entities exist concurrently, interact and modify each other. Based on this analogy, the Pi-calculus, originally developed for the specification of computational processes, could also be used to model biochemical ones.

 

We employ 5 major principles in modeling biochemical processes as concurrent systems:

 

*  Pathways, molecules and molecular domains as computational processes [example]

*  Complementary molecular determinants correspond as communication channels [example]

*  Molecular interaction and modification as communication and change of channel names [example]

*  The integrity of molecules, complexes and compartment as channels with restricted scope [example]

*  The formation of complexes and translocation of molecule as extrusion of restricted channels [example]

 

Based on this strong correspondence between the calculus and biochemical networks, we can incrementally represent detailed information on biochemical systems in a structured, biologically faithful fashion. The resulting representations can be used in simulation, analysis and verification.

 

*  Step-by-step detailed explanations are available in our papers and in the BioSPI course.

*  Additional illustrative examples can be found in our presentations and posters.

*  Molecular identity, complexes, and localization are treated better within the ambient calculus [slides]