Systems biology moves beyond studying individual genes or proteins to understand how they work together as a complex, living network. Instead of looking at isolated parts, this field examines the intricate conversations between molecules that drive life, revealing how cellular systems respond to changes and maintain balance. It is a holistic approach that turns vast amounts of data into a coherent story of how organisms function as a whole.

At Gist.Science, we ensure these breakthroughs remain accessible to everyone by processing every new preprint in this category directly from bioRxiv. Our team generates both plain-language explanations for the curious mind and detailed technical summaries for researchers, bridging the gap between rapid scientific discovery and clear understanding.

Below are the latest preprints in systems biology, freshly curated and summarized to help you navigate the cutting edge of network science.

Multi-Omics Mapping of Human Kidney Reveals Complement-Mediated Cellular Dynamics During Progression of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

By integrating multi-omics approaches on human kidney biopsies, this study elucidates how complement-mediated dysregulation in podocytes and parietal epithelial cells drives glomerular injury and fibrosis in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, revealing potential targets for stage-specific interventions.

Hayashi, S., Takeuchi, M., Nakano, T., Setoyama, D., Singh, S. A., Sonawane, A. R., Iwamoto, T., Kishimoto, H., Tsuchimoto, A., Yamada, S., Kang, D., Ago, T., Kitazono, T., Aikawa, M., Kunisaki, Y.2026-02-20📄 systems biology

Modeling and Tracking of Heterogeneous Cell Populations via Open Multi-Agent Systems

This paper presents an enhanced cell-tracking algorithm that utilizes open multi-agent systems and an Extended Kalman Filter to model, parameterize, and predict the complex dynamics, interactions, and lineage of heterogeneous cell populations, such as osteosarcoma and mesenchymal stromal cells, in co-culture microscopy videos.

Tramaloni, A., Testa, A., Avnet, S., Massari, S., Di Pompo, G., Baldini, N., Notarstefano, G.2026-02-18📄 systems biology

Spatial Rewiring of Enterocyte Identity in Celiac Disease

By integrating spatial and single-cell transcriptomics, this study reveals that celiac disease disrupts the normal crypt-villus organization through shortened distances between BMP- and WNT-producing mesenchymal cells, causing enterocytes to acquire a novel, aberrant identity characterized by overlapping zonal programs and gastric metaplasia.

Barkai, T., Frieman-Sharabi, R., Bahar Halpern, K., Novoselsky, R., Korem Kohanim, Y., Shir, S., Golani, O., Goliand, I., Addadi, Y., Kedmi, M., Keren-Shaul, H., Prichislov, L., Guz-Mark, A., Nissim (…)2026-02-17📄 systems biology

Agent-Based Model Replication of Global Treadmilling and Competition in the Actin Polymerization System

This paper presents a NetLogo-based agent-based model that successfully replicates the key phases of actin polymerization, including global treadmilling and the competition between nucleation and elongation, demonstrating its utility as a tool for simulating complex molecular mechanisms through parameter manipulation.

Tarantino, R., Contino, S., Gugliotta, L., Indelicato, G., Panunzi, G., Bertolazzi, G., Romano, V.2026-02-16📄 systems biology

Cell cycle-dependent protein dynamics in budding yeast resolved by deconvolution of bulk proteomics

The authors developed a computational deconvolution method combined with a population model to overcome the limitations of bulk proteomics and imperfect cell synchronization, successfully resolving cell cycle-dependent protein dynamics for 563 proteins in budding yeast and revealing significant metabolic variations across cell cycle phases.

Zylstra, A. J., Rovetta, M., Vedelaar, S., Bleischwitz, C., Fülleborn, J. A., van Oppen, Y. B., Markus, H. P., Korbeld, K. T., Milias-Argeitis, A., Buczak, K., Schmidt, A., Heinemann, M.2026-02-13📄 systems biology