NBTS Embraces a 'Systems Biology' Approach to Research
Brain tumor research, particularly relating to glioblastoma (GBM), has yielded much data in recent years and revealed so many levels of biological complexities that NBTS is pursuing a systems biology approach to brain tumor research. We are optimistic about the positive impact this new approach will bring and offer more details in our newly released Perspectives in Research.
NBTS received an overwhelming response to the initiative. The systems biology grant recipients were announced in September. If you have any questions, please contact Carrie Treadwell.
What is systems biology?
Systems biology is the study of complex biological problems as integrated and interacting networks of their components, which is used to understand higher-level properties of complex biological systems such as tumors. Systems biology focuses research on biological systems as a whole, rather than pursuing the traditional approach of considering individual genes, proteins, parts of an organism, or the interaction of a limited number of these. Read more.
Systems biology and brain tumors
Historically, scientists have tried to understand brain tumors by studying one or two parts of the tumor that had gone awry, such as a particular gene, protein, or series of biochemical reactions that appeared to drive cancer growth. While this research has greatly expanded our knowledge of brain tumors, it has had limited success in helping bring new therapies to patients. Read more.
NBTS hosted a webinar in July 2010 to discuss the systems
biology approach to brain tumors and the 2010 RFA. You can view a
recording of this webinar here.
Mary Catherine Calisto Systems Biology Initiative
The $5 million Mary Catherine Calisto Systems Biology Initiative mandates that grantees form a team of scientists that includes experts outside of their own specialties. Ten grants of $100,000 will be given for the first stage of planning, which is focused on developing a feasibility or planning study in the first year. The deliverable is a top-quality collaborative plan and timeline. Upon review of the phase one results, three grantees will move on to phase two. Each will receive $1.5 million over three years ($500,000 per year) to execute the research plan, leading to a clinical trial. Read more.
Conversations about systems biology
We at the National Brain Tumor Society, along with our Scientific Advisory Council Chair, Dr. Oliver Bogler, have prepared a series of interviews with experts in the field in order to gain from their personal insights, points of view, and connections to systems biology research. They have shared with us their outlook on systems biology research in general, their professional work in the field, and their thoughts regarding the application of systems biology research to brain tumors. Read more.
