P2: Integrated Science

From a single molecule to a complex system

How do complex biological or synthetic systems arise from simple molecular building blocks? In cells, proteins act in their respective molecular microenvironment, the cellular microcompartments, whose composition and function are determined by complex, highly dynamic interactions. Comprehensive analysis and quantitative description as well as the reproduction and manipulation of these processes on a nano- and mesoscopic scale can only be achieved through the cooperation of various scientific disciplines. The "Integrated Science" profile line addresses these fundamental challenges using the following methodological approaches:

• Identification of relevant molecules in supramolecular microcompartments and the quantitative characterization of molecular structures and interactions.
• Development and application of probes and microscopy techniques for the observation and controlled manipulation of molecules in a complex cellular context with the highest temporal and spatial resolution.
• Reconstitution of partial functions of complex processes using biomimetic and synthetic systems under controlled conditions.
• Conception of theoretical models and simulation of the interactions of components with and in dynamic systems.

These approaches will enable a mechanistic understanding of complex systems and thus open up new possibilities for systematic control and for the design of novel functionalities. A total of almost 40 scientists from the fields of biology, chemistry and physics as well as mathematics and cognitive sciences are involved in the profile line. Collaborations with Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the neighboring universities of Bielefeld, Münster and Oldenburg already exist and are to be further expanded as part of joint initiatives.

Initial situation and preliminary work

"Integrated Science" is based on numerous third-party funded projects, coordinated programs and investment measures, often of an interdisciplinary nature. The analysis of the dynamic organization of biomolecules in functional cellular structures is a central research focus of  biology in Osnabrück, which has been funded since 2011 in the Collaborative Research Centre  SFB 944 "Physiology and Dynamics of Cellular Microcompartments". The  Center for Physics and Chemistry of New Materials stands for interdisciplinary approaches in the fields of  chemistry and  physics in the field of synthetic nanomaterials. The research building  "Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics" (CellNanOs), funded by the state and federal government, provides all participating research groups with a joint research infrastructure for interdisciplinary method development. A core element of CellNanOs is the DFG-funded, integrated bioimaging equipment center  iBiOs, which provides state-of-the-art methods for high-resolution imaging beyond the site. In addition, several EU and DFG programs and research projects have been and are being coordinated by Osnabrück biologists (Marie Curie ITN SPHINGONET, DFG Priority Program 1316 "Host-adapted metabolism of bacterial infectious agents"), chemists (ERC Consolidator Grant 2015 "Insect-inspired capillary nanostamping") and physicists (COST Action CM1104). In addition, the topic of "Integrated Science" is currently supported by a Heisenberg professorship (physics) and an Emmy Noether junior research group (physics).

Research initiatives

Complementary research networks are intended to ensure better networking and synergy of the various methodological approaches within the profile line:

• Further development of the central topic of "cellular microcompartments" of the  CRC 944 in the direction of more complex biological systems and their adaptation mechanisms.
• Establishment of the interdisciplinary  Research Center CellNanOs for the development and application of new methods in cellular nanoanalytics.
• An interdisciplinary  research initiative on the application of nanomaterials in cell biology.
• An interdisciplinary research initiative to investigate molecular electron spin systems with regard to biological issues and applications in quantum technologies.