Integrated -omics
The molecular processes which underpin cellular and organismal functions are very complicated and our knowledge and understanding of these processes remains rather limited. However, the development of a number of highly advanced technologies for performing high resolution imaging of these cellular functions has revolutionised biological science. These are the so-called "-omics" - disciplines that carry out research into the structural and functional organisation of cells and systems at the level of the gene (genomics and transcriptomics), protein (proteomics) and metabolism (metabolomics).
The research carried out in this field focuses on the integrated analysis of the processes mentioned above and the crucial role played by molecular and cellular signalling within an organism. The objective is to understand how the system works, from beginning to end. Various plant and animal models are used, with all kinds of applications in biomedical, biotechnological, ecophysiological and ecotoxicological research.
The research carried out in this field focuses on the integrated analysis of the processes mentioned above and the crucial role played by molecular and cellular signalling within an organism. The objective is to understand how the system works, from beginning to end. Various plant and animal models are used, with all kinds of applications in biomedical, biotechnological, ecophysiological and ecotoxicological research.
Reputation
The University of Antwerp's researchers and facilities are considered among the best in Flanders/Belgium and in some cases even the world for some aspects of this research . This is evidenced by the number of publications we produce and by our international networks, as well as by the nature of the ongoing national and international research programmes currently receiving financial support.
While the scientific questions posed in this spearhead mean that the -omics approach can be thought of as largely biology-based, the researchers also rely heavily on other disciplines such as analytical chemistry, imaging, computer science and modelling. Collaboration and integration are essential in this field. In the Faculty of Science, various members of the Tenured Academic Personnel and both pre- and post-doctoral researchers from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Bio-engineering contribute to research on this theme. In addition, there is a clear intersection with the research spearhead "Proteins: structure and function", overseen by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, and the genetic research being conducted in other University of Antwerp faculties (Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Medicine).
While the scientific questions posed in this spearhead mean that the -omics approach can be thought of as largely biology-based, the researchers also rely heavily on other disciplines such as analytical chemistry, imaging, computer science and modelling. Collaboration and integration are essential in this field. In the Faculty of Science, various members of the Tenured Academic Personnel and both pre- and post-doctoral researchers from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Bio-engineering contribute to research on this theme. In addition, there is a clear intersection with the research spearhead "Proteins: structure and function", overseen by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, and the genetic research being conducted in other University of Antwerp faculties (Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Medicine).
Collaboration
Systems biology requires a cross-disciplinary approach in order to understand how the various molecular levels work as a single integrated process. While each -omics approach uses specific technologies, integrated -omics as a whole is actually greater than the sum of its parts because of its multidisciplinary, synthesised nature. The collation, analysis and interpretation of information gathered at various levels of functional organisation is recognised worldwide as the logical next step in life sciences research and this is an evolution apparent in the policies of the various stakeholders implementing research projects (ESF, ERA-Net and so on).
Based on the expertise available in the field of Proteomics, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) selected the University of Antwerp as a partner for a collaborative platform, and has already invested several million euros.
The following key facilities are being used for research related to this spearhead: (1) CEPROMA, (2) the Bio Imaging Lab and (3) the Genetic Service Facility. Several researchers are also involved in Hercules 2008, 2009 and 2011 applications. VITO is a major partner, committed to developing this research spearhead even further in the future.
The Faculty of Science recently took a first step towards the further development and consolidation of the -omics network by hiring a Structural Proteomics specialist.
Based on the expertise available in the field of Proteomics, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) selected the University of Antwerp as a partner for a collaborative platform, and has already invested several million euros.
The following key facilities are being used for research related to this spearhead: (1) CEPROMA, (2) the Bio Imaging Lab and (3) the Genetic Service Facility. Several researchers are also involved in Hercules 2008, 2009 and 2011 applications. VITO is a major partner, committed to developing this research spearhead even further in the future.
The Faculty of Science recently took a first step towards the further development and consolidation of the -omics network by hiring a Structural Proteomics specialist.