MarkovEditor (formerly StateEditor)
MarkovEditor


MarkovEditor is a program written for the simulation of Markovian schemes. The program runs only on the Windows operating system. The program is for free but no responsibility  whatsoever is assumed by the author. The program does not need any special installation or registration. Suggestions and comments are welcome (michael.pusch@ibf.cnr.it). 

MarkovEditor is based on the older StateEditor with improved graphics output and export possibilities. Model files are interchangeable between StateEditor and MarkovEditor. Standalone exe-file, zipped (last change: September 2020): zip for download.

In case the program does not start, try to install the Microsoft Visual C++ redistribution package: vcredist_x86.exe.

This program is described in detail in the following publication: Zifarelli, Zuccolini, Bertelli and Pusch. 2021. The Joy of Markov Models: Channel Gating and Transport Cycling Made Easy. The Biophysicist https://doi.org/10.35459/tbp.2019.000125 .

The abstract is pasted below:

The behavior of ion channels and transporters is often modeled using discrete state continuous-time Markov models. Such models are helpful for the interpretation of experimental data and can guide the design of experiments by testing specific predictions. Here, we describe a computational tool that allows us to create Markov models of chosen complexity and to calculate the predictions on a macroscopic scale, as well on a single-molecule scale. The program calculates steady-state properties (current, state probabilities, and cycle frequencies), deterministic macroscopic and stochastic time courses, gating currents, dwell-time histograms, and power spectra of channels and transporters. In addition, a visual simulation mode allows us to follow the time-dependent stochastic behavior of a single channel or transporter. After a basic introduction into the concept of Markov models, real-life examples are discussed, including a model of a simple K+ channel, a voltage-gated sodium channel, a 3-state ligand-gated channel, and an electrogenic uniporter. In this manner, the article has a modular architecture, progressing from basic to more advanced topics. This illustrates how the MarkovEditor program can serve students to explore Markov models at a basic level but is also suited for research scientists to test and develop models on the mechanisms of protein function.




The previous version was called StateEditor, standalone exe-file, zipped (last change: June, 13, 2019): zip for download.

Old Tutorial for StateEditor in Word97-format, zipped (last change: Jan., 8, 2004): zip for download.