University at Buffalo
The State University of  New York
CCR
Center for Computational Research
Bioinformatics
nThe creation and development of advanced information and computational technologies to solve problems in biology.
nThe use of advanced computational resources and techniques to analyze data generated by the Human Genome Project to improve medical treatment.
nPrecise sequence of ~30K human genes have been mapped
qCritical to elucidate the function of each gene.
qLeads to greater understanding of human development.
qPotential to treat many diseases, including AIDS cancer, MS, and Alzheimer’s and provide personalized treatment.
nFrom Human Genome
qLocate genes (tens of thousands in human body)
qDetermine what protein a gene regulates (millions of proteins in body)
qDetermine structure
qDetermine protein function
qDevise drugs to block or enhance protein function
•Genes regulate proteins (determine which proteins are produced and when) and it is proteins that regulate all the cellular functions in our body
•For example, Vancomycin works by interfering with a protein’s ability to repair damaged cell walls.  So when a healthy protein develops a leision in its cell wall, it produces a protein that fixes the hole.  Vancomycin interferes with the ability of the protein to do its job so that the leision becomes fatal for the bacteria that we want to kill.  That is, proteins control everything in our bodies.