SYSTEMS

Swiss-based computational biology provider Genedata AG announces its participation in BaSysBio, an integrated systems biology project involving 15 research organizations from nine European countries. BaSysBio (Bacillus Systems Biology) will study the global regulation of gene transcription in the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. This bacterium has significant economic potential as a producer of enzymes and metabolites, and is used in a wide range of industries, from pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers to the agro and food sectors. Two disease-causing bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, responsible for Anthrax, and Staphylococcus aureus, responsible for secondary infections, are objects of research as well. BaSysBio will provide new insight into the fundamental principles that control cellular processes. Subsequently, the initiative will contribute to the identification of new biomarkers, and innovative therapeutic targets for anti-bacterial drugs. Genedata Phylosopher has been chosen as the central management and infrastructure solution for sharing and interpreting the experimental data generated within BaSysBio. The project will adapt an array of high-throughput genomics technologies, including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, fluxomics and cell reporter assays. As quantitative molecular profiling information is key for the development of predictive mathematical models, the Genedata Phylosopher tools will be used for integrating the BaSysBio data and interpreting it in its pathway context. “Thanks to Genedata we are able to pool the various partners’ genomics and systems biology expertise across the entire network,” BaSysBio project coordinator Dr. Philippe Noirot said. For Genedata, anticipating the evolving needs of systems biology research is an important commitment and responsibility . The company currently supports several systems biology research consortia in Europe. Dr. Othmar Pfannes, CEO of Genedata AG, stated: “The project brings together the best teams in Europe, specialized in different fields from molecular biology to computational biology. We are proud to collaborate with this world class research consortium.”