Control-theoretic approaches to systems biology

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Mathematical control theory provides a theoretical basis for the design and analysis of automatic control systems implemented by engineers. These control systems are ubiquitous in modern life, playing an essential role in automobiles and CD players, aircraft and satellites. My research is directed toward a non-traditional use of these ideas: the application of control theory to the emerging discipline of 'systems biology.' This interdisciplinary field is devoted to the elucidation of the biochemical networks that molecular biologists are uncovering within the cell. Many of these biochemical networks have regulatory roles, and incorporate the same feedback concepts that control engineers use in their designs. By drawing analogies between man-made control systems and biochemical regulatory networks, we can aid in the task of describing the biological functions of the networks. The result will be an improved understanding of cellular behaviour, in both natural and perturbed environments. This knowledge will allow enhanced manipulation of living organisms for the purposes of pharmaceutic design, metabolic engineering, biotechnology, and environmental and agricultural improvements.