Skip to main content

Table 1 Examples of applications of optimization in systems biology, classified by type of optimization problem (note that several types overlap)

From: Optimization in computational systems biology

Problem type or application

Description

Examples with references

Linear programming (LP)

linear objective and constraints

maximal possible yield of a fermentation [83]; metabolic flux balancing [18, 83]; review of flux balance analysis in [30]; use of LP with genome scale models reviewed in [27]; inference of regulatory networks [40, 42]

Nonlinear programming (NLP)

some of the constraints or the objective function are nonlinear

applications to metabolic engineering and parameter estimation in pathways [69]; substrate metabolism in cardiomyocytes using 13C data [84]; analysis of energy metabolism [85]

Semidefinite programming (SDP)

problems over symmetric positive semidefinite matrix variables with linear cost function and linear constraints

partitioning the parameter space of a model into feasible and infeasible regions [86]

Bilevel optimization (BLO)

objective subject to constraints which arise from solving an inner optimization problem

framework for identifying gene knockout strategies [87]; optimization of metabolic pathways under stability considerations [88]; optimal profiles of genetic alterations in metabolic engineering [89]

Mixed integer linear programming (MILP)

linear problem with both discrete and continuous decision variables

finding all alternate optima in metabolic networks [90, 91]; optimal intervention strategies for designing strains with enhanced capabilities [91]; framework for finding biological network topologies [47]; inferring gene regulatory networks [41]

Mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP)

nonlinear problem with both discrete and continuous decision variables

analysis and design of metabolic reaction networks and their regulatory architecture [92, 93]; inference of regulatory interactions using time-course DNA microarray expression data [45]

Parameter estimation

model calibration minimizing differences between predicted and experimental values

tutorial focused in systems biology [53]; parameter estimation using global and hybrid methods [52, 54, 55, 59, 70]; parameter estimation in stochastic models [58]

Dynamic optimization (DO)

Optimization with differential equations as constraints (and possible time-dependent decision variables)

discovery of biological network design strategies [94]; dynamic flux balance analysis [29]; optimal control for modification of self-organized dynamics [95]; optimal experimental design [66]

Mixed-integer dynamic optimization (MIDO)

Optimization with differential equations as constraints and both discrete and continuous decision variables (possibly time-dependent)

computational design of genetic circuits [76]