Maastricht Systems Biology Forum - 7th meeting

23 February 2017 16:30 - 23 February 2017 19:30

This working group brings together researchers in the Maastricht area who are interested in the development and application of “systems biology”. The main aim is to share research, experience and, through this exchange, inspire and initiate new research directions and collaborations. The meeting takes place roughly every three months in the Brains Unlimited building.

This edition of the Forum aims to give an introduction to the computational and experimental work being done in the NeuGenNet project, one of the major research lines within MaCSBio. This multiscale project runs from the protein to the whole-brain level, with a strong focus on computational methods and modelling.

The working group also encourages researchers to make an "Ideas/challenges pitch". A pitch is a short (approx. 5 min) presentation showcasing an interesting idea, tool, or challenge that invites others to collaborate. Pitches can include both computational approaches and physiological / clinical questions where a systems biology approach could be helpful. If you would like to give a pitch at a subsequent meeting, please contact John Walmsley.

Organizing Committee

Programme

Time	Activity
16:30	High-field brain imaging of the mitochondrial m.3243A>G genotype Roy Haast (MaCSBio) The m.3243A>G mitochondrial DNA mutation causes the 'MELAS syndrome' and has been linked to a wide-range of symptoms characterized by a great heterogeneity across patients. In the current study we investigate the possible effects of the m.3243A>G mutation on the brain by using high-field 7 Tesla MR imaging methods to highlight brain differences between patients and healthy controls.
17:10	Identification and functional characterization of mitochondrial proteins Mike Gerards (MaCSBio) Experience induced learning heavily relies on healthy mitochondria and mitochondrial ATP production. Mitochondrial processes particularly interesting in the context of learning are mitochondrial dynamics and mtDNA replication. Interestingly, not all proteins involved in these crucial mitochondrial processes are known. Our study aims at the identification and functional characterization of key proteins in these processes. I will present the computational approach used for the identification of candidate proteins and some preliminary data on the functional characterization.
17:40	Learn about learning, from a computational neuroscientific perspective Menica Dibenedetto (MaCSBio) Across spatial and temporal scales, functional and structural brain modifications induced by normal experience (learning) or exposure to intrinsic pathogenic conditions in genetic disease, can only be understood by taking a network perspective, according to which function emerges from structured interactions among brain elements. In NeuGenNet, we aim to achieve new insights into the processes of normal and abnormal experience-induced modifications in brain and genetic networks, using mathematical tools and modeling approaches to bridge research domains and spatial scales of inquiry. Using computational models, insights from genetic modifications acting at a molecular level are linked to non-invasive observations of changes in the human brain acting at neuronal population level.
18:30	Networking over drinks/snacks

Drinks and snacks provided

Research lines Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology presented

Relevant links

MaCSBio Website

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