Name : Virtual Ecosystemics and Biology

Aim : The in virtuo project aims to model and to simulate complex phenomena in the domain of bioinformatics

Responsable : Pascal REDOU

Participants : Jean-François ABGRALL, Pascal BALLET, Zakaria BELEMAALEM, Stéphane BONNEAUD, Mikaël BOURHIS, Manuel COMBES, Gireg DESMEULLES, Alexandra FRONVILLE, Laurent GAUBERT, Fabrice HARROUET, Sébastien KERDELO, Christophe LEGAL, Marc PARENTHOËN, Pascal REDOU, Vincent RODIN, Abdallah ZEMIRLINE

Scientific context : The role of the in virtuo project is to develop interdisciplinery research within the domain of bioinformatics by means of the multi-agent approach which is used in order to ensure the individual-centered modeling of biological systems. Using the methods and computing tools available here at the computer engineering laboratory, we are able to simulate complex biological phenomena more naturally than with traditional digital simulators, and to provide answers where previous methods have failed to do so. This unique approach paves the way for a new methodology based on conducting real in virtuo experiments in order to test new hypotheses and to prepare in vitro experiments in a rational and cost-efficient manner. The expression "in virtuo" is not a Latin term. Biologists often use the expression "in silico" (in silicon) to describe computer calculations. However, in silico neglects the participation of Man through an environment made up of digital models. It is for this reason that we prefer the term in virtuo which, because of its common root, evokes the idea of the experimental conditions of virtual reality.

Thematics : This project hinges on three main points:

• Inter-cell modeling: The study of the interactions between cells in an evironment composed of cells, molecules and enzymes.
• Intra-cell modeling: The understanding of cells' internal behavior through the modeling by means of transduction (that is to say the stages between the reception of a signal to the production of substances).
• A standardization of methods means the complexity of algorithmics, stemming from the potentially great number of agents to be implemented, can be reduced.

Applications : We are currently working in the following domains:

• Plasma coagulation: in collaboration with the hematology laboratory at Brest University Hospital (CHU) (Professor J.F. Abgrall);
• The cancerology of myelomata: in collaboration with the hematologie laboratory at INSERM (National medical reserach facility) in Nantes (Professor R. Bataille) and the histology laboratory at Angers University Hospital (Professor D. Chappard);
• Allergology: in collaboration with the allergology department at Brest University Hospital (Doctor L. Misery). (VIDEO)

Collaborations - Supplementary : The in virtuo project implements these issues in close collaboration with biologists. It is complementary to and uses results and findings from the computer engineering laboratory's ARéVi project on the individual-centered approach