Control-theoretic approaches to systems biology

数学控制理论为工程师实施的自动控制系统的设计和分析提供了理论依据。这些控制系统在现代生活中无处不在，在汽车、CD播放机、飞机和卫星中发挥着重要作用。我的研究方向是这些思想的非传统应用：将控制理论应用于新兴的“系统生物学”学科。这个跨学科领域致力于阐明分子生物学家在细胞内发现的生化网络。这些生化网络中的许多都具有调节作用，并结合了控制工程师在其设计中使用的相同反馈概念。通过在人造控制系统和生化调节网络之间进行类比，我们可以帮助描述网络的生物学功能。其结果将是提高对细胞在自然和扰动环境中的行为的理解。这些知识将有助于提高对生物的操纵，用于药物设计、代谢工程、生物技术以及环境和农业改进。

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.