Systems Biology aims to explain how higher level properties of complex biological systems arise from the interactions among their parts. Within this new discipline data sets obtained by the application of high throughput technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics are integrated to develop models that can be used for better understanding complex biological systems and diseases.In the specific case of diabetes it has been shown that many factors can contribute to the development of the disease but, ultimately these factors lead to hyperglycemia as a final common pathway. The characterization of the molecular pathways that can lead to diabetes, and the development of predictive models, using systems biology, is the main focus of this program.
For more information, contact Dr. Salvatore Sechi, Proteomic and Diabetes Systems Biology Program Director.