Bioinformatics Shared Resource

University Of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: BIOINFORMATICS SHARED RESOURCE Bioinformatics has become an essential part of cancer research due to the high-throughput nature of multi- omics data (such as genetic, genomic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic) that are being generated from cancer research projects. Thus, a tremendous need exists for developing computational infrastructure for the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and facilitation of the use of such data by the cancer research community. The main goals of the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (BSB) Shared Resource are to facilitate access to bioinformatics resources that include hardware, software and personnel expertise; train researchers in the use of such resources; and provide custom support for research projects including the development of cutting-edge tools and protocols to match the rapidly changing technologies in the realm of cancer research. BSB Shared Resource is equipped with locally installed bioinformatics tools and databases related to cancer research backed by state-of-the-art computational and storage infrastructure. In addition to an extensive collection of trusted open-source tools, the Shared Resource will also provide access to several licensed bioinformatic software tools such as Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, CLC Genomics Workbench, Partek Flow, Schrodinger Molecular Drug Discovery suite, and BioCyc Database Collection. Similarly, the computational infrastructure includes dedicated servers for data storage, high-performance computing, database and web development and optional cloud computing. The Shared Resource offers a wide range of bioinformatics services that fall into five thematic areas including (i) analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based genomics data; (ii) analysis of array-based and systems biology data; (iii) machine- learning, big-data analysis and precision medicine research; (iv) development of software and database applications for bioinformatics projects; and (v) support for experimental design and grant consultation. In the past funding cycle, the Shared Resource has supported several hundred distinct research projects with over a third of the Shared Resource users hailing from the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (BCC). The Shared Resource Director is assisted by four well-trained support staff with diverse training backgrounds in computer programming, statistics, cancer genomics, and systems biology. An advisory board that consists of members representing different colleges at UNMC oversees the Shared Resource policies and procedures and makes recommendations. The Shared Resource Director also leads a research program in cancer genomics and bioinformatics, mentors students in the Cancer Biology Training Program and collaborates with a number of BCC investigators to facilitate the development of customized data analysis protocols that meet the evolving needs of cancer researchers.