Validation of qualitative models of genetic regulatory networks by model checking: analysis of the nutritional stress response in Escherichia coli.

Motivation: The modeling and simulation of genetic regulatory networks have created the need for tools for model validation. The main challenges of model validation are the achievement of a match between the precision of model predictions and experimental data, as well as the efficient and reliable comparison of the predictions and observations.

Results: We present an approach towards the validation of models of genetic regulatory networks addressing the above challenges. It combines a method for qualitative modeling and simulation with techniques for model checking, and is supported by a new version of the computer tool Genetic Network Analyzer (GNA). The model-validation approach has been applied to the analysis of the network controlling the nutritional stress response in Escherichia coli.

Availability: GNA and the model of the stress response network are available at http://www-helix.inrialpes.fr/gna.