MADBio Lab

Modeling for Accelerated Discovery in Biology

Solving the puzzle of Fe homeostasis by integrating molecular, mathematical, and societal models.

Journal article

Charles Hodgens, B. Akpa, Terri A. Long
Current opinion in plant biology, 2021
Semantic Scholar DOI PubMed
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APA   Click to copy
Hodgens, C., Akpa, B., & Long, T. A. (2021). Solving the puzzle of Fe homeostasis by integrating molecular, mathematical, and societal models. Current Opinion in Plant Biology.

Chicago/Turabian   Click to copy
Hodgens, Charles, B. Akpa, and Terri A. Long. “Solving the Puzzle of Fe Homeostasis by Integrating Molecular, Mathematical, and Societal Models.” Current opinion in plant biology (2021).

MLA   Click to copy
Hodgens, Charles, et al. “Solving the Puzzle of Fe Homeostasis by Integrating Molecular, Mathematical, and Societal Models.” Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 2021.

BibTeX   Click to copy 

@article{charles2021a,
  title = {Solving the puzzle of Fe homeostasis by integrating molecular, mathematical, and societal models.},
  year = {2021},
  journal = {Current opinion in plant biology},
  author = {Hodgens, Charles and Akpa, B. and Long, Terri A.}
}

Abstract

To ensure optimal utilization and bioavailability, iron uptake, transport, subcellular localization, and assimilation are tightly regulated in plants. Herein, we examine recent advances in our understanding of cellular responses to Fe deficiency. We then use intracellular mechanisms of Fe homeostasis to discuss how formalizing cell biology knowledge via a mathematical model can advance discovery even when quantitative data is limited. Using simulation-based inference to identify plausible systems mechanisms that conform to known emergent phenotypes can yield novel, testable hypotheses to guide targeted experiments. However, this approach relies on the accurate encoding of domain-expert knowledge in exploratory mathematical models. We argue that this would be facilitated by fostering more “systems thinking” life scientists and that diversifying your research team may be a practical path to achieve that goal.

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