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P2: Integrated Science

From individual molecules to complex systems

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How are complex biological or synthetic systems created from simple molecular building blocks? In cells, proteins act in their respective molecular microenvironments, the cellular microcompartments whose composition and function are determined by complex, highly dynamic interaction networks. Comprehensive analytics and quantitative description as well as the simulation and manipulation of these processes on a nanoscopic and mesoscopic scale can only be achieved through the interaction of different scientific disciplines. The profile line "Integrated Science" addresses these fundamental challenges through the following methodological approaches:

• Identification of relevant molecules in supramolecular microcompartments and quantitative characterization of molecular structures and interactions.
• Development and application of probes and microscopy techniques for the observation and controlled manipulation of molecules in complex cellular contexts with highest temporal and spatial resolution.
• Reconstitution of subfunctions of complex processes using biomimetic and synthetic systems under controlled conditions.
• Conception of theoretical models and simulation of component interactions 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 conception of novel functionalities. Close to 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 the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the neighbouring universities of Bielefeld, Münster and Oldenburg already exist and are to be further expanded within the framework of joint initiatives.

Initial situation and preliminary work

"Integrated Science" is based on numerous third-party-funded projects, coordinated programmes and investment measures, often of an interdisciplinary nature. The analysis of the dynamic organisation of biomolecules in functional cellular structures is a central research focus of biology in Osnabrück, which has been funded in the Collaborative Research Centre SFB 944 "Physiology and Dynamics of Cellular Microcompartments" since 2011. 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 "Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics" (CellNanOs), a research building funded by the state and federal governments, 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 facility iBiOs, which provides access to state-of-the-art methods for high-resolution imaging beyond the site. In addition, several EU and DFG programmes and research projects were and are coordinated by Osnabrück biologists (Marie Curie ITN SPHINGONET, DFG priority programme 1316 "Host-adapted metabolism of bacterial pathogens"), chemists (ERC Consolidator Grant 2015 "Insect-inspired capillary nanostamping") and physicists (COST Action CM1104). In addition, the topic "Integrated Science" is currently supported by a Heisenberg professorship (physics) and an Emmy Noether junior research group (physics).

Research initiatives

Complementary research alliances will ensure better networking and synergy between the various methodological approaches within the profile line:

• Further development of the central topic "Cellular Microcompartments" of the SFB 944 towards more complex biological systems and their adaptation mechanisms.
• Establishment of the interdisciplinary Research Centre CellNanOs for the development and application of new methods in cellular nanoanalytics.
• An interdisciplinary research initiative for the application of nanomaterials in cell biology.
• An interdisciplinary research initiative to study molecular electron spin systems with regard to biological questions and applications in quantum technologies