Sauer Group

Overview

Our systems biology research in the Zamboni, Heinemann and Sauer labs focuses on cellular metabolism, primarily by quantitative analyses of the highly interconnected regulation and enzymatic reaction networks (see Figure 1). To obtain system-wide access, an interdisciplinary team of biologists, engineers, and computer scientists develops high-throughput experimental technology for quantitative metabolomics and ¹³C-based intracellular flux analysis. Different types of mathematical models are then used to quantitatively relate metabolomics, expression and proteomics data to the functional network output in terms of fluxes.

Close local collaboration between the IMSB labs metabolism (Sauer), quantitative analytics (Zamboni), dynamic metabolic systems (Heinemann), and proteomics (Aebersold) and the ETH computer science Stelling lab generate a highly interactive environment that focuses on the main model organisms: E. coli, B. subtilis, and S. cerevisiae. In large international and national collaborations we tackle systems-oriented, fundamental research questions on network structure, responses and control as well as applied research questions on metabolic engineering and drug responses.

Figure 1: A systems roadmap to metabolism
(Sauer; Heinemann & Zamboni 2007 Science 316: 550)