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Integrative biology — a strategy for systems biomedicine

Abstract

The precision of genome sequences, together with advanced computational approaches, allows complex, clinically relevant biological systems to be examined. Here, I describe the experiences of the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) in using genome-to-systems strategies to accelerate biomedical research. To maximize clinically relevant output, we have explored an organizational strategy that encourages coordinated experimentation among investigators with diverse skills and interests through building a culture of integrative science. Our experience suggests that systems biomedicine is a real and potentially fruitful strategy for translational research.

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Figure 1: Pipeline of the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) projects that were inspired by the results of their research on the tumour suppressor p53.
Figure 2: Pathways that are modulated by new therapeutics and that were identified using systems approaches.

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Acknowledgements

The author wishes to acknowledge the crucial reading of this manuscript by Q. Yu, and the funding support of the Agency for Science and Technology of Singapore.

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Edison T. Liu is on the scientific advisory board of the Eli Lilly Singapore Center for Drug Discovery.

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Liu, E. Integrative biology — a strategy for systems biomedicine. Nat Rev Genet 10, 64–68 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg2488

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