Center for Quantitative Genome Function: About the Alpha
Project
In 2002, we established a Center for Genomic Experimentation
and Computation (CGEC) and began working towards the ability
to predict the quantitative behavior of a model, eukaryotic
intracellular signaling pathway over time and in response
to defined perturbations. In 2006 we changed the name to
the Center for Quantitative Genome Function (CQGF)
to better reflect our specific goals. At the Center,
we are seeking to learn how genome encoded parts interact
with the environment to produce quantitative functions. In
so doing, we are devising innovative methods and tools, defining
new paradigms for modeling biological systems and contributing
to the training of a cadre of leaders in interdisciplinary
genomics research. The flagship activity of the Center is
the Alpha Project. The project consists of combined experimental
and computational work on a well-studied eukaryotic regulatory
system, the G-protein receptor-coupled signal transduction
pathway that governs the response of haploid MATa S.
cerevisiae to the mating pheromone alpha factor. This
pathway is a prototype for similar regulatory networks that
govern response to extra-cellular stimuli in higher eukaryotes.
 |
Organization of the Center for Quantitative Genome
Function (CQGF)
[ View Larger Image ] |
The work of the Center occurs at four sites: Molecular
Sciences Institute (MSI), California Institute of Technology
(Caltech), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, (MIT)
and the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL). MSI is the
core site for all aspects of the project. MSI President,
Roger Brent is the principal investigator and Orna Resnekov
is the project manager. Drew Endy's lab (MIT) is contributing
both systems modeling and experiments. Shuki Bruck's
lab (Caltech) is contributing computational methods and theory.
Richard Smith's group at the PNNL is contributing mass
spectrophotometry methods and measurements. The Center collaborates
with Mark Holl of the Microscale Life Sciences Center, who
is constructing microfluidic devices that are used by Center
scientists. Research for the Alpha project is overseen by
a steering committee composed of the PI, co-investigators
at the four sites and the project manager. The NHGRI, an
external scientific advisor and an external scientific advisory
board comprised of distinguished scientists provide critical
feedback on the scientific and heuristic goals of the project.
The Center is funded by a five-year renewable grant from
the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).
[ back to top ] |