MCA Has More to Say

The recent development of two mathematical frameworks for the analysis and design of metabolic systems is reviewed here. Both frameworks employ a (log)linear kinetic metabolic model that is constructed making direct, explicit use of the individual enzyme kinetic parameters which are a foundation of Metabolic Control Analysis (MCA) information. The first framework allows the description of the dynamic responses of metabolic systems subject to fluctuations in their parameters. The second framework considers the problem of optimizing the regulatory structure of metabolic networks. Both frameworks are powerful in enabling greater insights into metabolism based on MCA quantities.