title: Integrative biological modelling in silico.
abstract: In silico models of biological systems provide a powerful tool for integrative analysis of physiological function. Using the computational models of the heart as examples, we discuss three types of integration: structural integration implies integration across physical scales of biological organization from protein molecule to whole organ; functional integration of interacting physiological processes such as signalling, metabolism, excitation and contraction; and the synthesis of experimental observation with physicochemical and mathematical principles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, The Whitaker Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: McCulloch
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Huber
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D019992:Databases as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008954:Models, Biological