INTRODUCTION
Our laboratory is using systematic measurements (protein interactions, gene expression, genetic polymorphisms, and so on) to map and model the molecular networks inside cells. Network models have the potential to revolutionize biology and medicine by providing a comprehensive blueprint of normal and diseased cell functions. Network models also provide a framework for drug development, interpretation of patient data and – ultimately – simulating the effects of a particular drug on a particular patient.
Our long-range plan is to develop a combined experimental and computational strategy to assemble models of biological networks and to insert these models at key decision points in disease diagnosis (network-based biomarkers), therapeutics (network-based drug discovery), or development (network-based regenerative medicine). Using these methods we are exploring the networks that govern a variety of biological responses, with a primary emphasis on cancer and the response to genotoxic stress. Current research thrusts are described below, organized according to their impacts on Bioinformatic Methods or Genome-Scale Biology.
GENOME-SCALE BIOLOGY
BIOINFORMATIC METHODS