Networks in Cell Biology

Description

The science of complex biological networks is transforming research in areas ranging from evolutionary biology to medicine. This is the first book on the subject, providing a comprehensive introduction to complex network science and its biological applications. With contributions from key leaders in both network theory and modern cell biology, this book discusses the network science that is increasingly foundational for systems biology and the quantitative understanding of living systems. It surveys studies in the quantitative structure and dynamics of genetic regulatory networks, molecular networks underlying cellular metabolism, and other fundamental biological processes. The book balances empirical studies and theory to give a unified overview of this interdisciplinary science. It is a key introductory text for graduate students and researchers in physics, biology and biochemistry, and presents ideas and techniques from fields outside the reader's own area of specialization.

Mark Buchanan is a physicist and independent author. He writes a monthly column for the journal Nature Physics. Guido Caldarelli is Associate Professor in the Centre for Statistical Mechanics, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Italy. Paolo De Los Rios is a Professor in the Laboratory of Statistical Biophysics, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL). Francesco Rao researches in the Laboratoire de Chimie Biophysique, University of Strasbourg. Michele Vendruscolo is a Reader in Theoretical Chemical Biology at the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge.

'Network science has experienced a spectacular explosion in the past decade, influencing a wide range of fields, from computer science to sociology. Yet, nowhere is the impact of the new theoretical framework as promising as it is in cell biology - many of the difficult open questions cannot be understood without a network based approach. Networks in Cell Biology offers an excellent introduction to this frontier, at the same time capturing the current state of research. With contributions from the best in the field, it is a valuable addition to the shelf of anyone interested in this exciting area.' Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, Northeastern University and Harvard Medical School 'This book describes the state of the art in understanding cellular networks through contributions by leaders in modern cell biology and network theory. It is clearly organized and exhibits an excellent balance between empirical studies and theory. The biological underpinnings are explained clearly and comprehensively, and the appendices give a great primer to the key mathematical concepts necessary for network analysis and modeling. This book will be of great use as a course textbook or for self-study.' Reka Albert, Pennsylvania State University