Metabolic ensemble modeling for strain engineers

Previous mathematical modeling efforts have made significant contributions to the development of systems biology for predicting biological behavior quantitatively. However, dynamic metabolic model construction remains challenging due to uncertainties in mechanistic structures and parameters. In addition, parameter estimation and model validation often require designated experiments conducted only for purpose of modeling. Such difficulties have hampered the progress of modeling in biology and biotechnology. To circumvent these problems, ensemble approaches have been used to account for uncertainties in model structure and parameters. Specifically, this review focuses on approaches that utilize readily available fermentation data for parameter screening and model validation. Time course data for metabolite measurements, if available, can further calibrate the model. The basis for this approach is explained in non-mathematical terms accessible to experimentalists. Information gained from such an approach has been shown to be useful in designing Escherichia coli strains for metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.