A methodology for performing global uncertainty and sensitivity analysis in systems biology

Authored by Denise E Kirschner, Simeone Marino, Ian B. Hogue, Christian J. Ray

Date Published: 2008-09-07

DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2008.04.011

Sponsors: United States National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Platforms: C++

Model Documentation: Other Narrative

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Accuracy of results from mathematical and computer models of biological systems is often complicated by the presence of uncertainties in experimental data that are used to estimate parameter values. Current mathematical modeling approaches typically use either single-parameter or local sensitivity analyses. However, these methods do not accurately assess uncertainty and sensitivity in the system as, by default, they hold all other parameters fixed at baseline values. Using techniques described within we demonstrate how a multi-dimensional parameter space can be studied globally so all uncertainties can be identified. Further, uncertainty and sensitivity analysis techniques can help to identify and ultimately control uncertainties. In this work we develop methods for applying existing analytical tools to perform analyses on a variety of mathematical and computer models. We compare two specific types of global sensitivity analysis indexes that have proven to be among the most robust and efficient. Through familiar and new examples of mathematical and computer models, we provide a complete methodology for performing these analyses, in both deterministic and stochastic settings, and propose novel techniques to handle problems encountered during these types of analyses. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tags

Monte Carlo methods Agent-based model (ABM) Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) aleatory uncertainty epistemic uncertainty extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (eFAST) partial rank correlation coefficient (PRCC) sensitivity index