The study of complex biological systems introduces the necessity to integrate various levels of space and time, the network structure of the interactions, and the dynamical behaviour of the entire system. It involves the emergence of essentially new features when the system is observed on higher aggregation levels.
Part of a mathematical model of a cardiac myocyte, to be published, J. Heijman, P.G.M. Volders, R.L. Westra, Y. Rudy, 2009.
Starting-point for complex systems modelling is the non-linear dynamic model of a single cell, based on the best of our understanding of the relevant underlying molecular and physical interactions. In our research this is the mathematical model of the isolated cardiac myocyte, that we have developed in close collaboration with the in close collaboration with the Cardiac Bioelectricity & Arrhythmia Center of Professor Yoram Rudy at Washington University (St-Louis) [5-6, 21] in the joint project: ‘Computational modelling of compartmentalized myocytes and adrenergic signalling pathways’ (2007-2011). In order to describe multiscale complex behaviour, these models now include the newest insights in ion-channel dynamics and beta-adrenergic stimulation.
Assemblages of cells exhibit a diverse range of complex behaviours that results from their non-linear interactions and communication. Complex phenomena observed at this level include: synchronization, spontaneous order, self-organization, and phase transitions. It involves the emergence of essentially macroscopic phenomena like memory. Our aim is to model and understand these phenomena through numerical and mathematical analysis of large numbers of coupled single-cell models.
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