To demonstrate and develop systems biology capability in Australia, Bioplatforms Australia commissioned the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) to undertake a systems biology approach to industrial yeast characterisation and development. The scientific objective was to generate and integrate genomics, proteomics and metabolomics data that would allow a systems-based understanding of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and use it to create new models of fermentation.

On a strategic level, the project provides new insights to the wine industry and other yeast-based manufacturing, while also providing a working example – both the advantages and challenges – of a systems-based approach to scientific discovery.

The AWRI commenced the project in 2009 with intensive collaboration with Bioplatforms Australia’s genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics partners. It has generated comprehensive datasets and worked through the challenges of data integration to deliver new and valuable knowledge offering significant benefit for commercial wine making.

For further information contact:

Paul Chambers | T: 08 8313 6828 | paul.chambers@awri.com.au
Andrew Gilbert | T: 02 9850 8281 | agilbert@bioplatforms.com