Parameters Estimation in Phase-Space Landscape Reconstruction of Cell Fate: A Systems Biology Approach

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Complex Systems Theory
• Systems Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• The thermodynamical formalism of irreversible processes provides a framework for understanding macroscopic dynamic systems.
• Integrating complex systems theory and systems biology, it offers a conceptual basis for studying biological systems, especially cancer.
• Cancer is viewed as a self-organized dynamic system operating far from thermodynamic equilibrium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an integrative view of thermodynamics, complex systems, and systems biology for cancer research.
• To develop a thermodynamic framework for analyzing cancer emergence and evolution.
• To explore tumor growth, cancer glycolysis, and related phenomena through the lens of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the thermodynamical formalism of irreversible processes.
• Applying concepts of complex systems and systems biology.
• Analyzing cancer as a dynamic, self-organized system far from thermodynamic equilibrium.
• Employing entropy production rate as a key metric.
• Investigating tumor growth via phase transitions far from equilibrium.
• Examining the complexity of cancer glycolysis.

Main Results:

• The study establishes a thermodynamic framework for characterizing cancer as a complex, non-equilibrium system.
• Tumor growth is conceptualized as a series of phase transitions.
• The complexity of cancer glycolysis is analyzed within this thermodynamic context.
• An integrative perspective linking thermodynamics, complex systems, and cancer biology is provided.

Conclusions:

• The thermodynamical formalism offers a robust theoretical foundation for understanding cancer's complexity.
• Viewing cancer as a dynamic, non-equilibrium system facilitates novel analytical approaches.
• This framework aids in characterizing cancer's emergence, evolution, and metabolic processes like glycolysis.