Multilayered Cellular Automata

Abstract In this paper multilayered cellular automata are formally defined as a generalization of multilayered automata networks. They are hierarchically organized on the basis of nested graphs, and can show different kinds of dynamics, which allow to use them to model, e.g., complex biological systems comprised of different entities organized in a hierarchical framework. Finally, the simulation of the dynamic regulation of calcium-ion distribution in the subcompartments of a living cell by means of Multilayered Cellular Automata is presented, as an example that allows to show their modeling power.