n the post-genomic era oi biological research, integrative studies, examining how lowlevel biological components re-assemble into organised systems are becoming mcreasingly common. Integrative approaches of the past have often been limited by the complexity ot systems ot interest and by the techniques available to visualise' and quantify biological events. Recently there have been significant advances in techniques to measure dynamic and complex intra-cellular phenomena. Importantly, these have included higher-throughput, quantitative experimental approaches using fluorescent protein fusions. It is now possible to take advantage of such quantitative data to construct mathematical models that are capable of simulating the complexities found in many dynamical systems. The success of future systems-level studies lies in the strength of such interdisciplinary approaches.