An ontology for the cell cycle
Using a systems approach, the 'Dedicated integration and modelling of novel data and prior knowledge to enable systems biology' (Diamonds) project studied one of the most fundamental processes in biology – the cell cycle. Correct regulation is crucial to cell survival and breakdown of the smallest element results in many diseases including cancer. Diamond researchers studied the cell cycle in humans and Arabadopsis as well as baker's and fission yeast using wet lab methods. To simulate how the cell cycle varies under different conditions, an integrated platform was developed incorporating data mining, modelling and simulation. The core aim of the EU-funded initiative was to develop a basic model and use this to devise more experiments, the data from which would be used to develop a more refined model. Using four different model organisms, cross species pathway differences and comparative genomics could be integrated into the system. The scientists successfully established a cell cycle model in the four different species. Initially, the data involved transcript profiling and proteomics data. The team also developed a simulation tool to allow users to gain access to the knowledge base cell cycle ontology. For the future, the model will evolve by comparing repetitions in modelling data, subsequent experimentation and model updating. The cell cycle is a fundamental process preserved across all species and has relevance in food and bioenergy production as well as pharmaceuticals derived from organic sources.
