Systems biology aims to understand complex life processes, which cannot simply be explained based on molecular properties, as dynamic states generated by the interactions of numerous factors, and to manipulate such processes for practical applications.
For example, although the function of each component of an electric circuit (e.g., capacitor or resistor) is simple, when these components are incorporated into a circuit, the circuit as a whole performs a function (e.g., television or radio) that is far more sophisticated than that of the individual components. Thus, to understand such systems entails comprehending the logic behind the design of the circuits. In life science, such relationships between individual components and the circuit exist at various levels. Examples include protein molecules and molecular complex; genes and function of individual organisms; cell and organs; neurons and the brain. At any of these levels, research is based on understanding the functions of each component. However, to truly comprehend the dynamics of the entire system, the complexity, which is generated by the interactions of many factors, must also be understood. To successfully do so, methods in integrated structural biology, information theory, mathematical analysis, etc. as well as those of molecular biology must be utilized. To date, there are limited examples of such research based on understanding life processes as systems due to the lack of life scientists, who cover multiple disciplines. Nevertheless, systems biology, as defined above, will become a central field in the next-generation of life sciences.
In contrast, research currently recognized as systems biology is largely the exhaustive collection of molecular information (what is called “-omics” research). Although the information collected by such “-omics” research is extremely useful, systems biology at this global COE does not include this type of research due to the following reasons: 1) it is more efficient to conduct this type of research on a project basis at research institutes; 2) this type of research specifically aims at data collection, and is not for educational purposes; and 3) numerous projects encompassing this type of research are already being pursued. At this center, we strive to promote life sciences by taking advantage of the strengths of this university, which is place with a wide range of specialists and an abundance of novel ideas generated by young students and researchers.
Systems bioagricultural sciences are fields of science and technology where nearly all agronomically useful traits are considered to stem from complex traits built on an intricate network of biological systems. Thus, these biological systems are manipulated and optimized based on the analysis and understanding of the systems biology described above. Hence, we aim to aggressively promote research in this field by recruiting young researchers, who work unflinchingly to employ new concepts and methodologies of systems biology on agronomically useful traits, which in the past have been too complicated to be scientifically approached.