My research interest is to understand the gene regulation and protein interaction networks in organisms at a systems level. I have previously applied bioinformatics, X-ray crystallography and gene expression profiling to study protein functions and interactions in metabolism and infectious diseases. My current research focuses on understanding the human microbiome (the collective genome of trillions of microorganisms in human microflora) and its interactions with the host in relation to human health and diseases. Using a systems biology approach, including high-throughput genome sequencing, metagenomic microarrays and computational modeling, the aim of the research is to detect signature microflora patterns and to develop diagnostic markers and therapeutics for microorganism-related human diseases. By combining computational and experimental approaches, the ultimate goal of my research is to understand the human-microflora symbiotic system at both molecular level and systems level.