An investigation into computational methods for understanding gene regulation

This paper presents an analysis of the biological plausibility of utilising Boolean networks for modelling genetic networks. A number of Boolean network models currently exist which can mimic the development of organisms from their origin (i.e. fertilisation) to the fully formed species (e.g. human adult). They can also be used to model the development of certain pathological genetic conditions (e.g. cancer). In addition the paper reviews the first steps in the construction of Boolean networks that mimic real genetic networks. The papers proposes that while synchronous deterministic networks are the classical approach asynchronous or semi-synchronous updating mechanisms could prove to be a more viable alternative for modelling the development of organisms and important pathological conditions (such as cancer).