The Helmholtz Alliance on Systems Biology networks in detail

The Helmholtz Alliance on Systems Biology is a consortium of Helmholtz centres in the area of Systems Biology. It consists at the moment out of six interconnected networks working on different biological topics using a systems-oriented perspective. Each network is lead by a specific centre and contains a multitude of different cooperations with other Helmholtz centres and academical as well as non-academical partners. The aim of Helmholtz Alliance on Systems Biology is to deliver a major contribution in the field of systems biology by joining forces and regularly exchanging methods, information and results.

Overview on current events organized by the alliance

Participating Networks and Centres

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Systems Biology of Signalling in Cancer (SBCancer)

German Cancer Research Institute (DKFZ), Heidelberg

The network on Systems Biology of Signalling in Cancer (SBCancer) concentrates on signalling pathways that play a pivotal role in the cellular decisions between proliferation, differentiation and death. Alterations in these signalling pathways and connected gene regulatory networks can change cellular decisions and thereby trigger the onset of tumour formation.

More information here.

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The MDC Systems Biology Network – MSBN

Max-Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch

MSBN focuses on the regulation of disease phenotypes of progressive cardiovascular and neurodegenerative illnesses. Both are characterized by long asymptomatic phases before they become manifest. The regulatory mechanisms that effect first compensation and later pathology shall be investigated and compared, employing a well designed, comprehensive systems biology strategy.

More information here.

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From contaminant molecules to cellular response: system quantification and predictive model development

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig

The systems biology network of the Centre for environmental research aims at understanding cellular responses to chemical stressors with a systems perspective. This involves analysis of intra-cellular transport of the chemicals, reaction with sub-cellular target sites and the cell's response at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Research is initiated focussing on the cellular response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to exert a wide range of toxic effects.

More information here.

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CoReNe: Control of Regulatory Networks with focus on non-coding RNA

Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg

The interdisciplinary network entitled CoReNe focuses on the integrative interpretation of regulatory networks involved in cell differentiation with focus on the interaction of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Focus is put on the influence of ncRNAs on gene expression and thereby on the regulatory networks of the cell. The aim is to extend existing models of regulatory networks by integrating the influence of ncRNAs.

More information here.

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The Human Brain Model: Connecting neuronal structure and function across temporal and spatial scales

Research Centre Jülich (FZJ)

The network entitled "The Human Brain Model" investigates structure function relationships in the human brain as a multi-scale complex system. In particular, the structural, spatial and temporal interactions of different units of the nervous system are analysed on different scales.

More information here.

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Systems Biology at the HZI

Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig

Various projects at the HZI work on scientific problems using methodologies from systems biology. These projects include medical as well as biotechnological topics.

More information here.