Systems Biology

Looking to the Future; The Impact of Systems Biology

We expect that TF-based technology will be a significant component of the next round of agricultural biotechnology products, conferring enhanced intrinsic yield and yield stability, which will be launched over the next ten years. These second generation products, derived from discoveries that we have made over the past decade are expected to deliver significant gains in yield compared to those achieved through conventional breeding approaches. However, what are the prospects for the longer term future and what will it take to deliver truly dramatic yield increases? Physiological evidence suggests that there is substantial potential to increase average primary productivity by up to 100% or more in some crop species. Nonetheless, to achieve such a goal, however, we will need to understand the intricacies of plant gene regulation at a global rather than a local level. We are therefore working closely with our collaborators at Monsanto Company to begin developing an "integrated systems biology map" representing all of the gene networks in the genome. To assemble this global map, we are applying the very latest molecular and biochemical techniques to identify the partner proteins with each transcription factor interacts and the DNA sites to which it binds across the many different cell types that exist in a plant. Like a circuit diagram for an electrical appliance or an automobile, the plant systems biology map is a biological circuit diagram that will allow us to model how the gene networks are controlled and how they respond to environmental variables. From such predictions, we will be able to identify how to most effectively combine (stack) our existing technologies as well as being able to select the optimum intervention points within the networks at which to apply chemical and genetic approaches to realize the maximum increases in yield. Thus, even while second generation biotech crops are still under development, our new focus towards building a high resolution systems biology map will provide the discoveries that deliver later generation products for plant improvement. We believe these new tools and proprietary knowledge will keep Mendel at the front of the innovation curve and provide major competitive advantage for future technology business.