As the knowledge of genes, proteins and other biological components is accumulating strong interest has grown to study the interaction between these parts in order to understand complete biological systems. Here, the systems biology approach provides concepts and tools. The ultimate goal is to rebuild nature on the computer and set up a complete mathematical model of living cells in silico. Such models may then, for instance, be used to optimize the biotechnological production of value added chemicals by microorganisms.
The research focuses on mathematically modeling of the dynamics, regulation and control of metabolic networks. In particular we are interested in studying structural, i.e. topological properties of complex metabolic networks and how these structures give rise to metabolic functions. We develop computational tools to predict optimized microbes for biotechnological applications. Most of the experimental work is carried out in collaboration with other research groups within ACIB.