Bioinformatics: problem-solver for the future

The public genomic database doubles every twelve months, and is full of errors, but they are gradually being weeded out by research groups around the world such as the Centre of Bioinformatics and Biological Computing (CBBC) at Murdoch University.

Re-annotating old records against new data is just one of the important aspects of research conducted at the CBBC.

“Bioinformatics is about enabling biologists to ask complex questions with the wealth of biological data available, which is a hot research area at the moment,” said CBBC Director, Associate Professor Matthew Bellgard.

“We are proposing new strategies to assist biological researchers when conducting bioinformatics data analysis,” he said.

“This includes quality assurance checks on the data as well as mechanisms to allow researchers to easily re-do analysis in the future when databases have been updated.

“Surprisingly, these types of systems are not currently available in the public domain.”

Professor Bellgard recently presented this research at the 12th International Bioinformatics Conference.

“Money is pouring into the field around Australia, particularly in Queensland and Victoria, but the CBBC is still in the game,” said Professor Bellgard.

Professor Bellgard said the CBBC was quickly establishing a strong track record in bioinformatics research and development in a variety of areas.

“We approach problems with a strong IT background and work very closely with biologists at Murdoch University, particularly Associate Professor Yurek Kulski and Dr Geoff Dwyer who are integral members within CBBC,” he said.

“Our speciality is developing and customising software specifically for researchers, and we are focused on making better use of existing computers and technology.

“One of our major areas of work is to identify and characterise genes involved in disease, resistance and diversity, for medical, agricultural and evolutionary purposes.”

The CBBC is working closely with Tokai University in Japan as well as the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre at Murdoch University.

Professor Bellgard said the CBBC had hit the ground running, securing nearly $1 million in research grants since its launch last year.

The CBBC is establishing collaborations with other groups both within Murdoch and externally as well as strategic alliances with industry, and is also planning additional bioinformatics courses.