抄録
The analysis of biological function using mathematics has been rather limited to simple reactions. Recent progress of computer science has made it possible to integrate these simple model schemes into cell models or even tissue and organ models. The most advanced example is in the field of membrane excitation. The biophysical behavior of ion channels has been analyzed at both the single channel and whole cell levels. The large variety of membrane excitation in cardiac cells has been explained by combining different types of ion channels. Further integration of individual cell excitation into the whole organ model well explained the modulation of the electrocardiogram under various pathological conditions. Extending this integration of molecular events to metabolism and signal transduction potentially makes it possible to clarify mechanisms underlying homeostatic regulation of the biological functions mediated by negative and positive feedback reactions among numerous molecular pathways. The integration of the experimental knowledge is not an easy job to achieve. To overcome the complexity of the biological system, the integration platform for developing the comprehensive cell model should be thoroughly designed, and also knowledge of basic sciences is required in addition to the medical biology. Here, obviously collaboration of scientists from different field of study is necessary. This vast effort in interdisciplinary collaboration should be encouraged by realizing that development of biosimulation will introduce innovation in the medical sciences in near future. [J Physiol Sci. 2008;58 Suppl:S3]
