Projects / Programmes
Pristopi sistemske biologije za analizo interakcije med rastlino in patogenom (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.06.05 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Biotechnology |
Plant biotechnology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
Researchers (11)
Organisations (2)
Significance for science
Complex biological processes, like signaling or metabolic networks, can only be understood if studying all components of the system simultaneously. In recent decades, new techniques in molecular biology and other life sciences have generated a tremendous amount of data on biological systems yet. It is clear that despite the large amount of information available, current biological knowledge only represents a tiny fraction of what potentially can be discovered. Systems biology modeling has been proven a successful approach to study such complex biological processes. The first step forward is integration of data available in different formats and from different abstraction levels of biological components. Secondly, dynamic models of the system need to be assembled that can provide clues to decipher the overall function and behavior of biological systems. Addressing current challenges of plant systems biology, we built an interdisciplinary team which allowed association of disciplines from computer sciences (Jozef Stefan Institute), biostatistics and life sciences (National Institute of Biology) but have also fruitfully collaborated with research groups from Leibnitz Institute of Plant Physiology (Germany), Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland), Helsinki University (Finland) and Vienna University (Austria). Within this project we have merged innovative approaches in molecular biology, informatics and mathematics to build up both structural and dynamic models of plant-pathogen interaction. The developed methodology is relevant and beneficial also in other areas of research. Moreover, all outputs of the project are publicly available for future studies worldwide; papers are published in Open Acces journals and developed tools www.gomapman.org and Orange 4WS are publicly available
Significance for the country
Even though potato production is decreasing in Slovenia, potato is still one of the most important crops in Slovenian agriculture. Understanding of plant – pathogen interaction is however crucial for efficient agricultural management. The outcome of research performed within this project was published in magazines for general public, presented on radio and on other public events, like Science festival (2011) or Plant Fascination Day (2012). This was our contribution to awareness and better understanding of principles of systems biology and problematics related to agriculture in general for the general public. In addition the methodological principles are easily transferable to other biological systems, which we have proven to work really well in our project with pharmaceutical industry Lek Sandoz and Krka and within Center of competence BRIN. Two undergraduate and 5 PhD students collaborated on the project which shows great impact for systems biology related education in Slovenia.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
