Computational biology is an integral part of our research at IMB. We use numerous computational approaches, including artificial intelligence and mathematical modelling, to infer new insights into exciting biological questions in RNA biology, DNA repair, and epigenetics. A unique advantage is our first-hand access to state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry and high-throughput microscopy data generated at IMB.

In addition to using various state-of-the art analytical frameworks, such as BioConductor, RStudio, and Bioconda, we have also developed several of our own bioinformatics tools and pipelines for more specific analyses (see our Bioinformatics Core Facility for more details).

IMB has a lively bioinformatics community, which holds informal “work-in-progress” meetings to discuss and troubleshoot data analysis and build collaborations. The Bioinformatics Core Facility also provides our researchers with on-site support and training.

Examples of current computational biology research projects at IMB include:

• Deciphering the molecular code of splicing regulation
• Quantifying DNA breakage & repair in leukaemia cells
• Predicting how proteins in the cell interact with each other and the effect of these interactions on cell function