What is Bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics is defined as an academic field that seeks to create and advance algorithms, computational and statistical techniques, and theory to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of biological data. The primary goal of bioinformatics is to increase understanding of biological processes. What distinguishes bioinformatics from other approaches, however, is its focus on developing and applying computational techniques to achieve this goal.

Major research efforts in the field include sequence alignment, gene finding, genome assembly, protein structure alignment, protein structure prediction, modelling of DNA and protein evolution, analysis of genetic variation in populations, and analysis of gene expression, protein-protein interaction and protein mass spectrometry data. Another emerging area within bioinformatics is systems biology, which examines how individual biological components (e.g. metabolic pathways, genes, proteins, organelles, cells, physiological systems, organisms) interact in a network to produce observable phenotypes of a whole organism or body system.

Since bioinformatics involves organising and analysing large data sets from high-throughput biological studies, and developing algorithms and statistical approaches to analyse and understand these data, it heavily relies on mathematical and statistical models and methodologies, as well as on computational tools and applications, where the outcomes of such efforts also require coupling to a particular biological question.

Where can I find out about the latest bioinformatics research?

To find out about the latest research in bioinformatics and systems biology, a good place to look are the journals in this field, such as:

• PLoS Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Genome Biology
• BMC Bioinformatics
• Genome Research
• Molecular biology and evolution

Articles on bioinformatics research are also regularly published in top interdisciplinary science journals such as Nature and Science.

What is the day-to-day job of a bioinformatican like?

Working in the field of bioinformatics is a challenging and satisfying job, which can involve all or some of problem solving, programming, statistical analyses of large data sets, and mathematical modelling of biological phenomena. It is possible for a bioinformatician to work on many different biological questions and types of data sets, making this an interesting and exciting field to work in.

A bioinformatician.s day-to-day work can involve studying many different fascinating and important biological questions, such as:

• What are the genetic differences between the DNA of humans and chimpanzees?
• How many genes are there in the human genome, and can we identify them all?
• What differences exist in the DNA of different people, and how does that affect their health, appearance and behaviour?
• Is it possible to create a computer program to analyse the DNA sequences of 1000 different individual humans, and to reconstruct their genetic history (see http://www.1000genomes.org)?
• What are the differences between cancer cells and healthy cells?
• How do new drug-resistant strains of malaria evolve from existing strains, and can we predict what strains will emerge in future?
• What bacteria are present in different environments, such as different parts of the human body in people of different ages, populations and health?
• How are different animal groups (eg. humans, flies, jellyfish, earthworms, etc.) related to each other, and when and where did they evolve from a common ancestor?
• And many other interesting and important questions...

Any questions?

For questions relating to this course, please contact Dr. Avril Coghlan at a.coghlan@ucc.ie.