Integrating Stem Cell and Systems Biology

Abstract

Both stem cell and systems biology are newly prominent approaches to studying cell development. In stem cell biology, the primary method is experimental manipulation of concrete cells and tissues, while systems biology prioritizes mathematical modeling at least as highly as experiment. The two fields are ripe for interaction, but collaborations are just beginning. This chapter builds on results of Part II, examining the significance of integration with systems biology for mechanistic explanations (MEx) of cell development. I argue that both approaches are necessary for such MEx and propose a unifying model that visualizes their interdependent roles: Waddington’s landscape, introduced in Chapter 6. I begin by sketching the main ideas and commitments of systems biology.