The Experimental Side of Parameter Estimation

The development of mathematical models is an iterative process. One of its key steps is the acquisition of experimental data. For developing quantitative and dynamical models, this data needs to contain time-courses as well as several perturbation experiments. This article gives an overview of and an introduction into various experimental techniques frequently used during the process of developing dynamical models of biological signalling networks. Among others, the article discusses western blotting, enzyme assays, flow cytometry, protein mass spectrometry, DNA microarrays and different fluorescent microscopy techniques and stresses the significance of single-cell versus population measurements.