Research

Our work focuses on the development of theoretical and computational methods with a number of applications in bioinformatics and biological modeling.

The idea behind our work in bioinformatics is to build on existing methodologies regarding large-scale data analysis and to develop novel algorithms for processing and merging complex biological data from multiple sources such as gene expression data, sequence information, protein-to-protein interaction data, clinico-pathological data etc. Our ultimate goals in this activity include (1) a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing cellular processes and especially those involved in certain kinds of diseases such as cancer and (2) the development of computational tools that can be used for diagnostic/prognostic purposes based on genomic data. Our research activities and ongoing projects in this area focus on theoretical and computational algorithms to address biological questions pertaining to:

1. Gene expression data processing

2. Recognition and functional categorization of microRNAs and

 

Likewise, our biological modeling work aims at developing theoretical and computational aspects of simulation techniques and using them to study biological questions of interest to our team, while also providing methodologies and tools that can be utilized by other researchers in both experimental and theoretical ends of biology. Such techniques include the use of abstract and/or detailed mathematical equations (e.g. differential equations, diffusion equations, spring equations, probabilistic equations, circuit equations, neural network theory) to model the biophysical function of biological components like molecular and cellular mechanisms, single cells, cellular systems, organs, systems of organs or even an entire organism. Computational models are functional when they realistically simulate most properties and behavior of the biological component they model. Thus, in computo modeling requires careful calibration and validation studies to be performed in order to ensure the soundness of a model before it can be used in more complex simulation experiments. Our research activities and ongoing projects in this area focus on:

1. In computo modeling of brain cells

2. In computo modeling of functional modules and gene networks