What is MBInfo?
MBInfo is a unique, multipurpose information resource, created at the Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore. MBInfo provides in-depth reviews on the mechanics of cellular and molecular function. Through its wiki-based design, reviews are updated regularly to keep pace with progress within the field. Each review is written by scientists and subsequently peer reviewed by experts in the field to ensure the content is accurate, reliable and up to date. Each review emphasizes the functional and mechanical aspects of a process, rather than the genetic aspects, with the aim of making this resource accessible to a wider audience.Who is MBInfo for?
MBInfo is an ideal resource for scientists working in alternative fields, individuals working in
industries where products are based on biological principles or students seeking a reliable introduction
to a given cellular process.
Each topic is written in a pyramid structure. The top of the pyramid is represented by an overview page,
providing a basic description of a given function or process. These pages target a broad spectrum of
readers and assume only a basic understanding of biology. Further down the pyramid, the reader will
encounter the steps involved in the process described and functional modules that address specific
mechanical aspects. These pages outline the protein complexes involved and the mechanisms by which they
achieve the given process or function. These pages assume the readers have a more in-depth knowledge of
scientific terms and principles.
Despite the diversity in biological form and function, there is a surprising similarity in the ways that cells function. For example; the process that converts DNA information into proteins is largely the same for all living organisms. Similarly, the motile behaviors of cells are often shared across different cell types. This suggests that all cells have a limited number of functions that are utilized under particular circumstances or states.
The multi-protein modules that orchestrate these functions can be considered general tools and can be shared across functions. Their classification as Functional Modules is based upon critical assumptions that are unifying principles of this resource:
i) Mechanical functions are performed by meso-scale machines composed of modular protein complexes that communicate with each other through biophysical and biochemical signals.
ii) These machines are digital in nature, i.e. they are either on or off. Intermediate states may arise from physical feedback mechanisms, due to the fraction of time that the machine is on or the fraction of the cell membrane that is on.
iii) These machines assemble, perform a function and then disassemble for reuse at other sites and are therefore recyclable.
The collective activity of the functional modules in operation at any given time will drive specific, complex processes, in a highly regulated manner that ultimately contributes to the global state of the cell. Behaviors specific to certain cell types results from the variable regulation of alternate control and signaling pathways.
Cellular behaviors cannot be viewed in isolation, as they are impacted by their surroundings. To address the integrated nature of complex cellular activities, this resource starts by setting the wider context for the function. This is followed by a basic description of the function and finally moves towards a physical and chemical understanding of how the function works at a molecular level:
1. Identify wider contexts that lead to one or more cellular functions
2. Define the cellular functions/processes
3. Describe the steps that contribute to each process
4. Discuss the functional modules that contribute to the steps
For further information please contact us at feedback@mechanobio.info.
How can it be used?
For every topic, a series of graphics and/or animations are available. These supplement the reviews, clarify information and guide the reader through complex processes pictorially. This makes MBInfo an ideal teaching resource, whether in the classroom or for clients trying to understand your product. All images and text are copyright protected and are for personal use only.The MBInfo Approach
This resource focuses on the cellular processes and composite functional modules that sense, relay and respond to mechanical cues from the cellular microenvironment.
Despite the diversity in biological form and function, there is a surprising similarity in the ways that cells function. For example; the process that converts DNA information into proteins is largely the same for all living organisms. Similarly, the motile behaviors of cells are often shared across different cell types. This suggests that all cells have a limited number of functions that are utilized under particular circumstances or states.
The multi-protein modules that orchestrate these functions can be considered general tools and can be shared across functions. Their classification as Functional Modules is based upon critical assumptions that are unifying principles of this resource:
i) Mechanical functions are performed by meso-scale machines composed of modular protein complexes that communicate with each other through biophysical and biochemical signals.
ii) These machines are digital in nature, i.e. they are either on or off. Intermediate states may arise from physical feedback mechanisms, due to the fraction of time that the machine is on or the fraction of the cell membrane that is on.
iii) These machines assemble, perform a function and then disassemble for reuse at other sites and are therefore recyclable.
The collective activity of the functional modules in operation at any given time will drive specific, complex processes, in a highly regulated manner that ultimately contributes to the global state of the cell. Behaviors specific to certain cell types results from the variable regulation of alternate control and signaling pathways.
Cellular behaviors cannot be viewed in isolation, as they are impacted by their surroundings. To address the integrated nature of complex cellular activities, this resource starts by setting the wider context for the function. This is followed by a basic description of the function and finally moves towards a physical and chemical understanding of how the function works at a molecular level:
1. Identify wider contexts that lead to one or more cellular functions
2. Define the cellular functions/processes
3. Describe the steps that contribute to each process
4. Discuss the functional modules that contribute to the steps
For further information please contact us at feedback@mechanobio.info.
