Press Release 032707


	Press Release 032707


		FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Researchers Announce Model for Predicting Outcomes of Multi-gene Interactions Important model for human health because disease often results from gene combinations rather than individual mutations SEATTLE -- March 27, 2007 -- Researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) have developed new techniques to predict how mutating gene combinations impact the ability of yeast cells to respond to environmental stress. The research, published today in Molecular Systems Biology, could lead to advances in the understanding and treatment of human disease, because most illnesses result from the interaction of multiple genes rather than the action or mutation of a single gene. "These new findings are a major step towards understanding how mutations in many genes can combine to affect cells," said Tim Galitski, Ph.D and associate professor at ISB. "If we really want to make a difference in human health, then we need to be able to predict the behavior of these very complex biological systems." "This is a good start and something that hasn't been done before at a level involving multiple genes interacting," Galitski said. The research team arrived at the new model by creating five different strains of gene mutations, mixing them in various combinations, and observing how cellular growth patterns adapted to stresses in their environment. Researchers then tested the models by applying them to combinations of new genes which had not been previously observed. The predicted outcomes occurred, validating the models. Geneticists, physicists, computational biologists and others collaborated to achieve the results, following a Systems Biology approach in developing predictive computational models. "We find the systems approach, which is based on interdisciplinary collaboration and information sharing, to be the cornerstone for generating research outcomes the likes of which we haven't seen before as a scientific community," said Greg Carter, a research scientist at ISB. "ISB is truly one of the leaders in this area and it shows in the team's research outcomes." About the Institute for Systems Biology The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) is an internationally renowned, non-profit research institute headquartered in Seattle and dedicated to the study and application of systems biology. Founded by Leroy Hood, Alan Aderem and Ruedi Aebersold, ISB seeks to unravel the mysteries of human biology and identify strategies for predicting and preventing diseases such as cancer, diabetes and AIDS. ISB's systems approach integrates biology, computation and technological development, enabling scientists to analyze all elements in a biological system rather than one gene or protein at a time. Founded in 2000, the Institute has grown to 12 faculty and more than 200 staff members; an annual budget of more than $25 million; and an extensive network of academic and industrial partners. For more information about ISB, visit www.systemsbiology.org.

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