Hybrid modelling of biological systems using fuzzy continuous Petri nets

Integrated modelling of biological systems is challenged by composing components with sufficient kinetic data and components with insufficient kinetic data or components built only using experts’ experience and knowledge. Fuzzy continuous Petri nets (FCPNs) combine continuous Petri nets with fuzzy inference systems, and thus offer an hybrid uncertain/certain approach to integrated modelling of such biological systems with uncertainties. In this paper, we give a formal definition and a corresponding simulation algorithm of FCPNs, and briefly introduce the FCPN tool that we have developed for implementing FCPNs. We then present a methodology and workflow utilizing FCPNs to achieve hybrid (uncertain/certain) modelling of biological systems illustrated with a case study of the Mercaptopurine metabolic pathway. We hope this research will promote the wider application of FCPNs and address the uncertain/certain integrated modelling challenge in the systems biology area.