Objectives
The Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Unit provides AI-aided bioinformatic solutions for R&D.
The Unit is dedicated to analyzing data generated by the other units within AnkaTheraHub and the needs for researchers and SMEs.
Benefits
The applications have prompted the ability to understand the complexity of cancer-related data:
- computer and data sciences, including data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and
- advances in imaging technology and probe development.
Computational modelling and simulation are systematic and cost-effective tools for identifying significant temporal/spatial patterns, characterizing distinct molecular features of cancer, and addressing other key issues such as tumor detection and heterogeneity, progression and metastasis, and drug resistance.
These approaches have provided invaluable insights for improving the experimental design of therapeutic delivery systems and increasing the translational value of the results obtained from early and preclinical studies. Bioinformatics tools and techniques used to analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) data are also increasingly utilized in infectious diseases. Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Unit serves the demands of a diverse variety of AnkaTheraHub investigators and beyond.
Areas of impact and applications in the field
Regarding cancer research, synthetic biology seeks to re-design biological systems to perform novel functions in a predictable way. Recent advances in bacterial and mammalian cell engineering include the development of cells that function in biological samples or within the body as minimally invasive diagnostics or theranostics for the real-time regulation of complex pathological conditions. Ex-vivo and in-vivo cell-based biosensors and therapeutics have been developed to target a wide range of diseases including cancer.
A major milestone in the field of theranostic cell engineering was the 2017 FDA approval of tisagenlecleucel, the first gene therapy to be approved in the USA. Considering the above, this facility will work on preclinical applications of mammalian sensing and drug delivery platforms as well as underlying biological designs that could lead to new classes of cell diagnostics and therapeutics.
In the context of infectious diseases, there is a growing need for novel, specific, sensitive, and effective diagnostic and treatment procedures. Synthetic systems and devices are evolving into strong tools for treating human infections. The advancement of synthetic biology provides platforms for detecting and preventing infectious diseases that are efficient, accurate, and cost-effective.
