Searching for significant reactions and subprocesses in models of biological systems based on Petri nets

The primary aim of this research was to propose algorithms enabling the identification of significant reactions and subprocesses within models of biological systems constructed using classical Petri nets. These solutions allow to performance of two analysis methods: an importance analysis for identifying individual reactions critical to the functioning of the model and an occurrence analysis for finding essential subprocesses. To demonstrate the utility of these methods, analyses of an example model have been performed. In this case, it was a model related to the DNA damage response mechanism. It is worth noting that the proposed analyses can be applied to any biological phenomenon represented using the Petri net formalism. The presented analysis methods represent an extension of classical Petri net-based analyses. Their utility lies in their potential to enhance our comprehension of the biological phenomena under investigation. Furthermore, they can lead to the development of more effective medical therapies, as they can aid in the identification of potential molecular targets for drugs.

Automated summary

The primary aim of this research is to propose algorithms for identifying significant reactions and subprocesses within biological system models constructed using classical Petri nets. These solutions enable two analysis methods: importance analysis for identifying critical individual reactions to the model's functionality and occurrence analysis for finding essential subprocesses. The utility of these methods has been demonstrated through analyses of an example model related to the DNA damage response mechanism. It should be noted that these proposed analyses can be applied to any biological phenomenon represented using the Petri net formalism. The presented analysis methods extend classical Petri net-based analyses, enhancing our comprehension of the investigated biological phenomena and aiding in the identification of potential molecular targets for drugs.