Workshop on "Towards Systems Biology of Rice"

ICMSB 2008
International Conference on Molecular Systems Biology
25 - 28 February 2008, University of the Philippines-Diliman
Co-sponsored by Computing Society of the Philippines (CSP)
and the School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University

Conference Day 1: February 26, 2008

(Afternoon Session)

“TOWARDS SYSTEMS BIOLOGY OF RICE” WORKSHOP

Venue: Ateneo de Manila University, Rm. CTC 201
Workshop Chair: Rafael Saldaña (Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines)

1:00-1:30pm Registration/Setting up of Posters

1:30-1:45pm Welcome Remarks

1:45-2:30pm [K2] Klaus Gerwert (Ruhr U Bochum, Germany)

2:30-3:15pm [W1] Biological Systems Analysis: Crop and Individual Plant
Properties in the Context of Engineering C4 Rice

John Sheehy A. B. Ferrer, K.G. Tan, and F. Danila (IRRI, Phil.)

3:15-3:3pm Coffee Break

3:30-4:15pm [W2] Rice Genetic Modification for Improved Nutrient Content
Rhodora Almedita (PhilRice, Philippines)

4:15-5:00pm [W3] The GCP Information System
Richard Bruskiewich (IRRI, Philippines)

5:00-6:30pm Poster Session 1 (Posters N1 to N9)

6:30pm onwards (with Refreshments)

ABSTRACTS:

W1: Biological Systems Analysis: Crop and individual plant properties in the context of engineering C4 rice. John Sheehy A. B. Ferrer, K.G. Tan, and F. Danila (International Rice Research Institute, Philippines)

Abstract:

A system can be defined as a number of interacting elements existing within a boundary which is surrounded by an environment. Biological systems are hierarchical in the sense that they can be described at different levels of detail stretching from molecular to organismal. The success of an operation at any level depends on the successful integration of processes at the lower levels. However, it is important to bear in mind that when the system is viewed as a whole, it is expected that the whole delivers more than the simple sum of its parts. The nature of the emergent properties of the product determine the value added to the inputs and ultimately the efficiency of the system. Progress in understanding the behavior of complex natural systems begins with observations at the whole system level and a top down approach is necessary to guarantee significant achievements from genetic engineering of plants to enhance yields. The success of biological systems depends on control mechanisms that are often ill understood. There needs to be an increased awareness of plasticity: the properties of plants that change when plants are grown as individuals or as members of plant communities. For example, changes in specific leaf area and photosynthesis that occur when individual plants become members of a dense community can be overlooked by those operating at a molecular level. Success in producing a C4 rice plant will depend on targeting the genes controlling several key characteristics of leaves that retain their efficacy, are not plastic, regardless of the plant’s environment.

Rice Genetic Modification for Improved Nutrient Content
Speaker: Rhodora Almedita (PhilRice, Philippines)
Abstract:

The GCP Information System
Speaker: Richard Bruskiewich (International Rice Research Institute, Philippines)
Abstract:

For inquiries, contact:

Dr. Rafael P. Saldaña
Member, Organizing Committee, ICMSB '08
Member, Program Committee, ICMSB '08
Chair, Workshop on Systems Biology of Rice
Tel. +63 2 4266125, +63 2 7090907
Mobile: 0928-5043121
E-mail: raffysaldana@gmail.com