From MIN model to ordinary differential equations

Summary Biological interaction networks can be modeled using the Modular Interaction Network (MIN) formalism, which provides an intermediary modeling level between the biological and mathematical ones. MIN focuses on a simple but structured and versatile representation of biological knowledge, without targeting a particular analysis or simulation technique. In this paper, we propose a translation procedure which, starting from a MIN specification of a biological system, generates its representation in ordinary differential equations (ODEs) allowing to study the dynamics of the system. The translation is illustrated on a classical benchmark: the λ phage genetic switch.