Center for Computational Medicine
Center for Computational Medicine
School of Medicine & Pharmacology, and
Faculty of Engineering, Computing & Mathematics
W/Prof Hugh Barrett
How to tackle the challenge of complex biological systems
“Perhaps a proper understanding of the complex regulatory networks making up cellular systems like the cell cycle will require a shift from common sense thinking. We might need to move into a strange more abstract world, more readily analysable in terms of mathematics”
Sir Paul Nurse The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2001
Rationale for a Center on Computational Medicine
• Systems Biology & Computational Biology push in
the US and Europe
– EU Virtual Physiological Human Project
– NIH NIGMS Systems Biology
• $100m Victorian Life Science Computational Initiative
Rationale for a Center on Computational Medicine
• Opportunity to Value-Add to ongoing research
– Application of engineering and mathematics to medicine
(and biology)
• Provide insight into complex biology using a variety of
computational tools
• Development of new testable hypotheses
– Integral in new grant applications
– Simulation of systems
Bone loss
Normal
• Bring greater engagement of computational methods to
medical and biological research
• Focus on quantitative, systems analysis of cells, tissues
and organs in normal and disease states
CCM - Purpose of the Centre
Modeling bone deposition and resorption
• Motivation is to translate new findings and insights into
improved patient care through the integration of data and
knowledge
– Knowledge of a system and how it responds to
intervention
CCM - Purpose of the Centre
Model of lipoprotein metabolism in obesity
• Operate across FECM and
FMDHS, but would also include
collaborators from other faculties
• Collaborate outside of UWA at
national and international level
– NHMRC support
• Strong collaborative track record
– Publications and grants
CCM - Purpose of the Centre
High density lipoprotein model
Currently held competitive funding
2009-2011 ARC-DP Engineering cartilage homeostasis in health and disease $230,000
ARC-DP Multiscale modeling of transport through deformable porous materials $450,000
NHMRC Simulations of colon cancer $528,000
NHMRC Regulating fluid mechanics to improve outcomes for glaucoma surgery $269,000
PCCA Prostate metatasis to bone $280,000
NHMRC Reducing CVD risk in the metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes: Novel
approaches to studies of lipoprotein metabolism $527,725
NHMRC Therapeutic regulation of hepatic steatosis and lipid transport in the metabolic
syndrome $501,775
2010-2012 NHMRC Hypoxia is the common pathway to renal failure $478,000
2011-2014 ARC Linkage Bioengineered scaffolds for Achilles tendopathy treatment $840,000
2011-2015 NHMRC Senior Research Fellow
2012-2014 NHMRC Niacin lowers Lp(a) concentrations in type 2 diabetes $394,920
2012-2014 NHMRC Regulation of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism in familial
hypercholesterolaemia $594,770
2012-2014 NHMRC Investigating the roles of the wnt and notch signalling systems in colon cancer
crypt biology $548,675
CCM Main Activities
CCM
Core
&
Assoc
Computational
Methods
Outreach
Programs
Collaboration
PG
Training
Postdocs PhD students PG courses
Symposia Modeling workshops
New algorithms Software tools
Value-add Integral to research
Members of CCM
W/Prof David Smith Dr Stefan Scheiner
W/Prof Hugh Barrett Dr Edward Green
A/Prof Bruce Gardiner Dr Richard van der Wath
A/Prof Peter Pivonka Ms Sarah Thompson
Dr Pascal Bünzli
Dr John Davidson
Priorities for the future
• Seek additional strategic collaborative opportunities
– Value-add to existing research projects
– Partner with collaborators on ARC/NHMRC
project/program and center grants
• Formalize the Center for Computational Medicine within
UWA (UWA OPP Bioengineering & Bio-imaging)
– Seek management support
– Seek additional space and PhD students
• Co-localization within medical institutes
– Develop strategy for education and training
– Expand number of associated members to increase
expertise and capability
Priorities for the future
• Establish national and international profile
– Maintain and develop new national and international
collaborations
– Be productive
– Attract PG students and staff
– Run symposia (Outreach program)
• 2011 Cartilage and Bone Research
• 2012 Computational Systems Biology
• Modeling workshops
• Prepare bid for a National Center
Center for Computational Medicine
• Contacts
– David Smith 6488 5531 [email protected]
– Hugh Barrett 6488 3459 [email protected]
• Location
– Computer Science and Software Engineering Building,
M002