Projects

Systems Biology of Human Metabolism (System_Us)

With the state of the annotation of the human genome, it has been possible to perform an initial reconstruction of the genome-scale metabolic network in men. This genome-scale reconstruction opens unprecedented opportunities for basic research in human physiology and disease. The project System_Us, supported by ERC adv. res. grant, is focused on these newly emerging opportunities and deploys the rapidly developing discipline of systems biology. We will do so through four distinct activities:

1. continue the iterative metabolic network reconstruction process,

2. characterize network properties through in silico analysis,

3. experimentally fill in gaps in the network, and
4. conduct high-throughput drug screens that should lead to better target validation and open up new dimensions in personalized medicine.

Industrial Biotechnology

The convergence of light-emitting diode technology, photobioreactor design, algal biotechnology and low energy processing costs make biological fixation of geothermal CO₂ into fine chemicals feasible. The Center for Systems Biology is working on projects, supported by Techincal Innovation Fund/Rannis that are aimed at:

1. determining the key performance characteristics of a core unit of a photobioreactor-based factory,
2. designing and initiating scale-up of these units into versatile modules,
3. determining the spectrum of algal strains that can be cultivated with this system.

Summer Course

The Systems Biology Short Course is focused on helping PhD students, current university faculty, life-science researchers, and others gain an advanced understanding of the cutting-edge field of systems biology. This course will provide hands-on experience in combining experimentation and mathematical modeling with emphasis on kinetic modeling of cellular pathways. The course focuses on bacteria yeast as model systems as these are amenable to simple studies to verify predicted models. The course will be taught by world experts in the field of Systems Biology.

Human Metabolic Reconstruction Jamboree

The Human Metabolic Reconstruction Jamboree was held in Reykjavik June 14-16 2009. The purpose is to build a community consensus reconstruction of the human metabolic network within a defined scope and to plan for future jamborees. Next one will be in Washington DC, USA.