About us
Living systems have classically been studied in-depth one gene at a time. However, each gene and protein exists and functions within complex matrices consisting of a vast array of biomolecules, ranging from small metabolites to large macromolecules. Thus, in vivo, the thousands of other unique molecules and their interactions will influence the function and evolution of each individual protein. Systems-engineering principles are now being applied to elucidate how the cellular context influences each protein and how each protein influences cellular phenotype. This can be accomplished by treating each enzyme as a component in a vast network of proteins, and then modeling their interactions, as if the system were a chemical plant or electrical circuit. We develop novel algorithms to integrate genome-scale data with these models to gain insight into how the network context influences how each protein contributes to phenotypes, such as disease. We also leverage this knowledge to guide cell engineering efforts for biotherapeutic development.
What's new?
Follow us on Twitter @LewisLabUCSD