Collaborative Research: ABI Innovation: PlantSimLab: A Simulation Laboratory for Plant Biology

合作研究：ABI 创新：PlantSimLab：植物生物学模拟实验室

• 批准号: 1146819
• 负责人: Reinhard Laubenbacher
• 金额: $ 88.15万
• 依托单位: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2012-06-15 至 2016-05-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1146819&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Collaborative; Research; ABI; Innovation; PlantSimLab

It is increasingly recognized that at the molecular level nonlinear networks of heterogeneous molecules control many plant processes, so that systems biology provides a valuable approach in this field, building on the integration of experimental biology with mathematical modeling. One of the biggest challenges to making this integration a reality is that most plant biologists do not possess the mathematical background needed to build and manipulate mathematical models well enough to use them as tools for hypothesis generation. The goal of the project is to develop a network modeling tool, PlantSimLab, that enables plant biologists to build, validate, and use intuitive computer models, with a user interface that does not require mathematical or modeling expertise. No such tool is currently available. PlantSimLab is intended to play the role of a virtual laboratory, in which plant biologists can interrogate a computational model in ways similar to how it is done in the laboratory. The software will be developed in close collaboration with the plant biology community, through use cases that drive software capabilities and interface features. Finally, an extensive dissemination effort will be made to introduce the tool to plant biologists. The project will also leverage an ongoing outreach project that engages 9-12 year-old children across Virginia. The program, Kids' Tech University (KTU), brings 450 children to the Virginia Tech campus 4 times each year, where they interact with scientists, participate in hands-on laboratories, and, between campus events, explore a virtual space related to topics discussed on campus. The project will result in hands-on as well as virtual activities related to plant biology in general and the focus of the proposed project in particular.

人们越来越认识到，在分子水平上，异质分子的非线性网络控制着许多植物过程，因此系统生物学在该领域提供了一种有价值的方法，这是基于实验生物学与数学建模的整合。使这种整合成为现实的最大挑战之一是，大多数植物生物学家都没有足够好的数学背景，足以将它们用作假设产生的工具所需的数学背景。该项目的目的是开发一个网络建模工具PlansiMLab，该工具IMLAB，该工具可以通过不需要数学或建模专业知识的用户界面来构建，验证和使用直观的计算机模型。目前没有此类工具可用。 PlantsImlab旨在扮演虚拟实验室的角色，在该实验室中，植物生物学家可以以类似于实验室的方式来审问计算模型。该软件将通过驱动软件功能和接口功能的用例与植物生物学社区密切合作开发。最后，将做出广泛的传播工作，以将工具介绍给植物生物学家。该项目还将利用一个正在进行的外展项目，该项目与弗吉尼亚州的9-12岁儿童竞争。该计划是儿童科技大学（KTU），每年将450名儿童带到弗吉尼亚理工大学校园，他们与科学家互动，参加动手实验室，在校园活动之间，探索与校园讨论的主题相关的虚拟空间。该项目将导致与植物生物学有关的实践和虚拟活动，尤其是拟议项目的重点。