Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is a hybrid science that links biological research data with techniques for information distribution, analysis and storage. Medical genetics research produces a huge amount of data, especially as efforts in research collaboration become more fruitful. The discovery of information is only part of the goal of genetic research. Interpreting the significance of that information for the clinicians will turn data into preventions of and treatments for genetic disorders.

To better meet the growing need for data management, the Greenwood Genetic Center has created the office of Bioinformatics and Epidemiology.

The three main goals of bioinformatics are:

• Developing efficient algorithms for measuring sequence similarity.
• The extension of experimental data.
• Predicting protein interactions.

Bioinformatics Projects

The Greenwood Genetic Center bioinformatics team includes, bioinformatics specialists Katharine Kubiak, MS, Stephen McGee, MS, Srikrishna Narava, MS, and Rini Pauly, MS and software specialist, Anita Mohandas, MS. Research work is focused on understanding how microRNAs and circadian rhythms contribute to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders as well as other genetic diseases. Together and individually, our team is working to meet the challenges faced by modern genetic scientists. Projects in the Bioinformatics department include:

• Biological databases
• Biological knowledge discovery
• Development of computational tools for data integration and functional prediction of human genetic variants
• Environmental epidemiology and nutritional genetics
• Feature selection in genetic and genomic date
• Genomic data integration
• Neural tube defect prevention
• Network Biology of micro RNAs in human autism spectrum disorders
• Next generation sequencing
• Phelan-McDermid syndrome
• SNP-based whole genome screening for disease genes