Research focuses:
- Signal Transduction Pathways
- Biomolecular Regulatory Networks
- Complex Cellular Dynamics
- Brain Systems Biology
- Cancer Systems Biology
- Cardiac Systems Biology
- Network Systems Biology
- Bio-Inspired Engineering
The Life Sciences are witnessing a shift of paradigm from traditional characterization of individual molecules towards an understanding of interactive pathways and networks. The role of genes, proteins, metabolites and cells can be understood and defined through their interactions and it is through our focus on intra- and inter-cellular dynamics that we are deeply involved in the emerging area of Systems Biology. For Systems Biology to succeed, we have to cope with the bewildering complexity of cellular systems, covering a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Two of the key characteristics of Systems Biology are dynamic modeling and integration (fusion) of various information sources, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. In this context, our research has been centered on systems-level investigations of cellular signal transduction pathways, reverse engineering of biomolecular regulatory networks, and the unraveling of hidden cellular dynamics. In the future, we will focus on developing a systems biology analysis of cellular information processing by signaling and gene networks in cells, with particular emphasis towards understanding cell-fate decisions on proliferation and differentiation. Regulation of the commitment to differentiation is central to many biological processes such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegeneration. Our research is driven by two long term objectives: (1) to create a predictive model for a programmable cell that can be optimized for personalized therapy, and (2) to apply the knowledge obtained from the study of biological systems to engineering. In this way we hope to contribute to engineering innovation using ideas inspired by molecular systems biology.
