Integrating systems biology research in Europe
Modern techniques from the area of functional genomics, combined with disease modelling systems and individual patient information – including genetic determinants and gene expression patterns – have greatly advanced disease diagnosis. Seeking to establish a European framework for a systems biology approach, the EU-funded ‘European systems biology initiative for combating complex diseases’ (ESBIC-D) project linked together groups from some of the largest European cancer research organisations and centres. The key objective was to integrate resources and expertise in functional genomics and systems biology in order to identify the pathways likely to be most relevant to cancer. A training network was established among participating organisations which formed the basis for a strong EU-wide scientific network in the field of cancer research. Project partners successfully developed strategies for the coordinated network analysis of patient samples with respect to clinical parameters, molecular pathways and marker identification. Special attention was given to cancer-related pathways and the generated information was modelled in biology systems for validation. Project partners are hopeful that the ESBIC-D approach and infrastructure will strengthen related European research and form the basis for improving diagnosis and therapy of many other complex diseases as well.
