Linear compartmental models: input-output equations and operations that preserve identifiability

Abstract: This work focuses on the question of how identifiability of a mathematical model, that is, whether parameters can be recovered from data, is related to identifiability of its submodels. We look specifically at linear compartmental models and investigate when identifiability is preserved after adding or removing model components. In particular, we examine whether identifiability is preserved when an input, output, edge, or leak is added or deleted. Our approach, via differential algebra, is to analyze specific input-output equations of a model and the Jacobian of the associated coefficient map. We clarify a prior determinantal formula for these equations, and then use it to prove that, under some hypotheses, a model's input-output equations can be understood in terms of certain submodels we call "output-reachable". Our proofs use algebraic and combinatorial techniques.