Table of Contents

The Helmholtz Alliance on Systems Biology

The network on "Systems Biology of Signalling in Cancer (SBCancer)" is part of the Helmholtz Alliance on Systems Biology, an alliance of Helmholtz centres and external partners intended to promote Systems Biology research in Germany. [1]

Further networks of the alliance are located at the Max-Delbrück Centre in Berlin-Buch, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, the Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU)in Munich-Neuherberg, at the Research Centre Jülich (FZJ) and at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig.

Please see "News and Positions" for up to date information!

Public Relations

SBCancer, as part of the Helmholtz Alliance on Systems Biology is publishing systembiologe.de - the magazine for systems biology research in Germany. Together with other national research initiatives research highlights are explained to an interested public in an understandable manner. The magazine can be ordered free of charge at www.systembiologie.de/en/magazine.html

Project Overview

Inside SBCancer, the partners concentrate on signalling pathways that play a pivotal role in the cellular decisions between proliferation, differentiation and death. Alterations in signalling pathways and connected gene regulatory networks can change cellular decisions and thereby trigger the onset of tumour formation.

To elucidate the functional role of changes in cancer cells and predict targets for efficient intervention, we use a Systems Biology approach combining the identification of novel signalling components by genome-wide RNAi and protein-protein interaction screens with quantitative data generation and dynamic pathway modelling. This model-based understanding of signalling in cancer will be used in pilot projects for translational research applications.

The generation of data suitable for mathematical modelling in the biomedical projects is supported by a technology platform providing technologies for large-scale screening of cellular networks, quantitative proteomics and multi-parameter imaging.

General methods for model inference, model analysis, mathematical modelling, numerical simulation and optimization are being developed centrally. The modelling activities within SBCancer are closely interlinked with the modelling activities of the Helmholtz Initiative on Systems Biology and supported by several external groups.

SBCancer Coordinators

Participating Institutions in SBCancer

Contact and Enquiries

Dr. Jan Eufinger
Ulrike Conrad
Scientific Project Management
DKFZ Heidelberg
Im Neuenheimer Feld 580
D-69120 Heidelberg


Phone: +49 6221 42 3623
Fax: +49 6221 42 3620