FCoE in Integrative Photosynthesis and Bioactive Compound Research at Systems Biology Level
Chair: professor Eva-Mari Aro, University of Turku
Co-chair: professor Kaarina Sivonen, University of Helsinki
The Centre of Excellence combines the research and education efforts of three research groups from University of Turku and University of Helsinki.
We aim to answer the question of how photosynthetic reactions are regulated and how they are integrated with the production of primary and secondary metabolites and biohydrogen. Ultimately the aim is to build a comprehensive systems biology picture of the function of assimilating cyanobacteria and how they respond to the environment.
We also aim to identify commercially viable compounds and molecules produced by plants and cyanobacteria that serve as medicinal substances, and to screen and apply metabolic engineering to cyanobacteria towards efficient biohydrogen production.
In order to make use of photosynthetic cells for the production of bioenergy and various useful compounds, we are taking a systems biology approach to gain knowledge on biosynthetic and metabolic pathways, their interactions as well as the signalling cascades in photosynthetic cells. To achieve this, we will resolve how various physiological processes arise from dynamic interactions of their structural components, how the individual molecular structures operate, and how they form networks. We focus on an integrative study of oxygenic photosynthetic organisms across multiple levels, from molecules to cells, organs, individuals and finally the populations. We are particularly addressing the integration of solar energy converting pathways with the production of biohydrogen and secondary metabolites, toxins and other bioactive compounds, by searching for gene-protein-metabolite associations and developing tentative interaction models. In addition, we are interested in recognizing changes in the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome that are related to cell differentiation and signaling.
Centre of Excellence in Integrative Photosynthesis and Bioactive Compound Research at Systems Biology Level is directed by professor Eva-Mari Aro, University of Turku (director) and professor Kaarina Sivonen, University of Helsinki (deputy director).