Towards a virtual neuronal cell
Being able to predict cellular processes and pharmacological responses in silico would ease the rational design of therapeutic interventions. The genomic and proteomic data that are continuously emerging are expected to make this true in the years to come. Especially for inaccessible cells such as neuronal cells, an in silico approach would be greatly beneficial. The EU Symbionic project was designed to emphasise the importance of systems biology of a neuronal cell. The Symbionic Specific Support Action (SSA) integrated knowledge and expertise to provide a general assessment of the existing data and know-how in several scientific domains. Through workshops, conferences and training courses aimed to train a future generation of scientists in a cross-disciplinary area that is still in its infancy. Activities and efforts of the Symbionic project are expected to increase the initiative taken by the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and computing industries and hopefully also improve on existing fund raising efforts.
