Computational Cell Biology

The Computational Cell Biology group focusses on dedicated models for the metabolic pathways of plant cells. We are unravelling the links between physiological processes at the macroscopic level of a plant, especially fruits, and processes at biochemical levels underneath through computational cell biology. The biochemical levels underneath are the metabolome, the proteome and the transcriptome. Each level requires dedicated analytical methods (chromatography, mass-spectrometry, electrophoresis, protein activity measurements, gene expression). Unraveling the links is performed via mathematical models, like static and dynamic flux balance analysis models for describing a metabolic pathway in a plant tissue or even a plant organelle. The final focus, being linked to the macroscopic level as perceived by the consumers of fruit, is on growth, respiration, ageing and change in fruit quality parameters.

The computational cell biology group is headed by Prof. Annemie Geeraerd.