MycoNET

Title: Thematic Network on Mycobacteria Systems Biology

Research group: Bacterial PathoGenOmics

Systems biology has already produced extraordinary insights in biological and clinical research problems. This is particularly true since high-throughput experimental and computational approaches became available. However, the application of systems biology approaches is not straightforward, it involves the combination of complex and large datasets, exceptional analytical challenges, and targeted experimental approaches. Such a wide range of required scientific expertise is unlikely to be reachable by a single group. This is especially true for non-model organisms for which many tools are lacking or not yet standardized.

MycoNET was initially funded by nine research groups (RGs) working on mycobacterial research with seminal contributions in their disciplines. The actual number of RGs is 13. The RGs include experts on key mycobacteria research areas like “omics” and computational approaches, targeted functional approaches, animal models, clinical and epidemiological research.  We foresee the role of MycoNET as a key instrument to create a Spanish systems biology framework for mycobacteria. A series of actions are implemented to attract new scientist, complement the research expertise of the groups, generate scientific knowledge, standardize research approaches and foster current national and international projects led by the different members. A successful systems biology framework will likely lead to major advancements in a series of topics, including basic bacterial biology, bioremediation, clinical, epidemiological, drug and vaccine research.

Network coordinator: Rafael C. Prados Rosales

Iñaki Comas, Jesús Blázquez, Darío García de Viedma, Esther Julián, Sofía Samper, Jose Antonio Ainsa Claver, Jesús Gonzalo, Mireia Coscollá, Cristina Villaplana, Alicia Aranaz, Yamir Moreno.

Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades