The human body consists of more than a hundred trillion cells. The cells perform all the functions of the body and thus form the basis of life. In every living cell, a network of more than a thousand different chemical reactions is responsible for generating energy and putting together the building blocks for a new cell. In addition, essential processes such as DNA replication, DNA transcription and protein synthesis take place in it, and a cell is able to share itself and take in and process information from the environment (signal transduction). Although many years of biochemical research have unravelled the networks and the enzymes and regulatory circuits involved, we still do not understand how and why these networks function. As a result, all current successful interventions in metabolism, gene expression and signal transduction in the context of diseases and industrial biotechnology are mainly based on trial and error. Knowledge development in this field is indispensable to take the next step in many bio(medical) research fields.
Connecting character
Understanding how cells work allows us to develop better (precision) medicines; sustainable production of chemicals, food and energy; diagnostic tests and other medical devices. With knowledge of the genetic and metabolism-related networks in the cell, opportunities can be identified for treating or preventing diseases in which metabolism plays a major role, such as diabetes and cancer. This knowledge also opens avenues for new strategies to fight infectious diseases. In addition, based on new insights, we may be able to design cellular factories for the benefit of the so-called bio-based economy. The Netherlands has a strong R&D chain in cell physiology research. This is evidenced by, among other things, a growing number of public-private partnerships between knowledge institutes and many innovative large and small companies, and increasing interest from investors. Studying the cell system as a whole is expected to make it possible to create all kinds of predictive models. It will also become possible to purposefully reprogramme cell systems or design new ones using developments in synthetic biology. This will require close cooperation between different disciplines within the life and physical sciences, as well as the humanities and behavioural sciences because of the potential ethical and social consequences.
