Summary

In this research area, internationally leading scientists in the fields of structural biology and protein network analysis join forces to integrate current research and extend the efforts into the emerging field of molecular systems biology. The traditionally separate disciplines of structural biology, X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and NMR spectroscopy will be used in an integrated project-oriented manner for the analysis of protein complexes which are e.g. investigated in the research areas D and E. The functional significance and in vivo role of these complexes will be established by protein network analysis combined with modelling approaches. Future research will be directed along some key questions of the molecular life sciences and will involve a constant improvement and integration of experimental techniques. Answers to key biological questions are defined as the main goals, and experimental techniques will be developed in a project-oriented way. Research will to a large extent link between different goals, to correlate structural with functional data in vitro and in vivo, and thereby bridge between the fields of protein structure and protein networks, driven by the desire to achieve a holistic view of biological mechanisms.