Systems biology of gene regulation: qualitative simulation with Boolean networks

npj Systems Biology and Applications 2026 Open access

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Authors: José Carlos M. Mombach, Cristhian A. Bugs, Marialva Sinigaglia, Shantanu Gupta, Daner A. Silveira
DOI: 10.1038/s41540-026-00802-3
Cited by: 1

Abstract

This review explores Boolean and logical modeling as vital systems biology tools for analyzing gene regulatory networks. It traces foundational theories—from Glass and Kauffman to René Thomas—showing how discrete Boolean dynamics approximate continuous biochemical processes, and how network topology dictates dynamics like multistationarity or oscillation. Consequently, Boolean models successfully capture essential qualitative biological behavior without needing precise kinetic parameters. It also offers practical network construction guidelines.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gene Regulatory Network Analysis Bioinformatics and Genomic Networks Gene expression and cancer classification

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Systems Biology and Applications
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication date
11 August 2026
Language
EN