title: Modeling regulatory networks to understand plant development: small is beautiful.
abstract: We now have unprecedented capability to generate large data sets on the myriad genes and molecular players that regulate plant development. Networks of interactions between systems components can be derived from that data in various ways and can be used to develop mathematical models of various degrees of sophistication. Here, we discuss why, in many cases, it is productive to focus on small networks. We provide a brief and accessible introduction to relevant mathematical and computational approaches to model regulatory networks and discuss examples of small network models that have helped generate new insights into plant biology (where small is beautiful), such as in circadian rhythms, hormone signaling, and tissue patterning. We conclude by outlining some of the key technical and modeling challenges for the future.
authors.affiliation: Center for Modeling and Simulation in the Biosciences and Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Alistair M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Middleton
authors.forename: Etienne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Farcot
authors.forename: Markus R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Owen
authors.forename: Teva
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vernoux
mesh_terms: D019521:Body Patterning / Q000235:genetics; D057906:Circadian Clocks / Q000235:genetics; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D008954:Models, Biological; D063245:Plant Development / Q000235:genetics*