Modelling intracellular signalling networks using behaviour-based systems and the blackboard architecture

TL;DR

This paper introduces Cellulat, a novel model combining behaviour-based systems and blackboard architecture to simulate intracellular signalling networks, capturing cognitive functions and spatial organization, exemplified through calcium signalling pathways.

Contribution

The paper presents a new integrated modelling approach, Cellulat, that incorporates cognitive aspects and spatial structure into intracellular signalling network simulations.

Findings

Cellulat successfully models calcium signalling pathways.

The approach captures both cognitive functions and spatial organization.

A virtual laboratory for intracellular signalling is under development.

Abstract

This paper proposes to model the intracellular signalling networks using a fusion of behaviour-based systems and the blackboard architecture. In virtue of this fusion, the model developed by us, which has been named Cellulat, allows to take account two essential aspects of the intracellular signalling networks: (1) the cognitive capabilities of certain types of networks' components and (2) the high level of spatial organization of these networks. A simple example of modelling of Ca2+ signalling pathways using Cellulat is presented here. An intracellular signalling virtual laboratory is being developed from Cellulat.