Energy-based Modelling of the Feedback Control of Biomolecular Systems with Cyclic Flow Modulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces an energy-based modelling approach for biomolecular feedback control systems, integrating control engineering concepts with thermodynamic network models to analyze metabolic cycles with cyclic flow modulation.

Contribution

It presents a novel method to apply transfer function analysis to energy-based biomolecular models, bridging control engineering and thermodynamics.

Findings

Control concepts like loop-gain emerge from energy feedback loops.

The method enables transfer function analysis of thermodynamic network models.

Application to metabolic cycles demonstrates the approach's effectiveness.

Abstract

Energy-based modelling brings engineering insight to the understanding of biomolecular systems. It is shown how well-established control engineering concepts, such as loop-gain, arise from energy feedback loops and are therefore amenable to control engineering insight. In particular, a novel method is introduced to allow the transfer function based approach of classical linear control to be utilised in the analysis of feedback systems modelled by network thermodynamics and thus amalgamate energy-based modelling with control systems analysis. The approach is illustrated using a class of metabolic cycles with activation and inhibition leading the concept of Cyclic Flow Modulation.