A blueprint for human whole-cell modeling

Curr Opin Syst Biol. 2018 Feb:7:8-15. doi: 10.1016/j.coisb.2017.10.005. Epub 2017 Nov 9.

Abstract

Whole-cell dynamical models of human cells are a central goal of systems biology. Such models could help researchers understand cell biology and help physicians treat disease. Despite significant challenges, we believe that human whole-cell models are rapidly becoming feasible. To develop a plan for achieving human whole-cell models, we analyzed the existing models of individual cellular pathways, surveyed the biomodeling community, and reflected on our experience developing whole-cell models of bacteria. Based on these analyses, we propose a plan for a project, termed the Human Whole-Cell Modeling Project, to achieve human whole-cell models. The foundations of the plan include technology development, standards development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.