PI-seminar-day 2021
Part I: 21st April 2021
The PIs in BII will be showcasing their research and highlighting the developments that are enabling BII to be the Bioinformatics hub in Singapore and a world class centre.
On display will be the cutting edge science carried out in BII and its translation in partnerships with local and international research groups across academia, clinics and industry and how this is motivating the development of a spinoff culture.
You may view the list of other presentations here or click on the respective names below to find out more.
Sebastian Maurer-Stroh - Opening Remarks and Protein Sequence Analysis
Title: From sequence to structure and function
Abstract: This talk shows how expertise in sequence analysis bridging quickly to 3D structure and protein function can have impact in applications areas from viruses to shampoo, novel food, flavors, drugs and human diseases.
Birgit/Frank Eisenhaber - Gene Function Prediction
Abstract: The Gene Function Discovery group uses sophisticated formal methods for discovery of biomolecular mechanisms from biological/medical data (primarily biomolecular sequences, expression profiles and 3D structures as well as experimental life science data and clinical records). Examples of success stories are provided as well as ongoing projects with PhD students, academic and industrial collaborators. The digitalization of A*STAR's Natural Organism Library (NOL), the omics characterization of samples and the in silico screening of the resulting iNOL for diverse applications including natural product research is a major effort for the team in the future.
To learn more about the research they do, please visit: Gene Function Prediction Group PageRoland Huber - RNA Structure and Function
Abstract: Our lab investigates structure and function of RNA. RNA plays many roles in biological systems spanning genetic, enzymatic and regulatory functions. Many of these roles depend on spatial structure or specific RNA-RNA interactions. We follow an integrative approach to analyze data obtained by sequencing, NMR, X-ray crystallography, chemical probing and crosslinking experiments as well as molecular simulations. Relating structure, dynamics and function allows us to identify RNA elements that are crucial for the life cycle of viruses. In this overview, we show recent results of our research into RNA interactions and structure in Dengue, Zika, SARS-CoV-2, Chikungunya and Influenza viruses.
To learn more about the research they do, please visit: Function and Structure of RNA Group PageFan Hao - Computational Modeling of Protein-Ligand Interactions
Abstract: The research focus of Fan Lab is to develop computational techniques to study protein-ligand interactions. The developed methods are used in basic research, to help understand and regulate biological processes, in particular, structure-function mechanisms of GPCRs, transporters, and kinases. Meanwhile, these methods were also employed in applied research, to help engineer industrial enzymes, evaluate toxicity of chemicals including food ingredients, and discover new drug leads.
To learn more about the research they do, please visit: Structure-based Ligand Discovery and Design group pageTan Yaw Sing - Computational Chemical Biology and Fragment-Based Design
Abstract: In this video, I share how my group uses computational tools to complement experimental efforts in chemical biology. One of the main themes of our research is the application of fragment-based concepts to computer-aided ligand/drug design.
Igor Berezovsky - Physics and Evolution of Biological Macromolecules
Title: From Theoretical Models to Simulations and Design: Protein Function, Allostery and Chromatin
Abstract: Recent advances in our work on evolution-based protein design, studies of protein allostery, and theoretical models of chromatin are briefly discussed.
Peter Bond - Multiscale Simulation, Modelling and Design
Title: Multiscale Simulation, Modelling & Design: Infectious Diseases and the Host Response
Abstract: This short talk gives a brief overview of our recent progress in computational approaches to modelling viral and bacterial envelopes and their interactions with host immunity, along with novel peptide- and antibody-based therapeutic developments.
Chandra Verma - Atomistic Simulations and Design
Abstract: Translating molecular simulations to the clinic - This video outlines how careful applications of advanced biomolecular simulations combined with experiments are opening new windows into clinical applications for diseases ranging from cancer to bacterial infections
To learn more about the research they do, please visit: Atomistic Simulations and Design in Biology Group PageHwee Kuan Lee - AI Theoretical Developments and their Applications in the Clinics
Title: AI Applications in Clinical Research
Abstract: In this video, we share a spectrum of AI work that are relevant in clinical research. We also place emphasis on the development of theoretical AI methodologies that are inspired by real world clinical applications
Lit-Hsin Loo - Complex Cellular Phenotype Analysis
Abstract: The Complex Cellular Phenotype Analysis Group develops and uses novel phenotypic and molecular profiling methods to elucidate the mode of actions (MoAs) of xenobiotics, and build computational models that can predict in vivo effects based on these MoAs. Our current research focuses on building bioimage databases and visualization tools, assessing chemical/drug safety and efficacy, and digital medicine for cancer.
To learn more about the research they do, please visit: Complex Cellular Phenotype Analysis Group PageKeng-Hwee Chiam - Biophysical Modelling
Abstract: I will briefly introduce the biophysical modeling capabilities of the group in the context of cultured meat. I will highlight the role of microtubules and microtubule associated proteins in nuclear positioning in myotube formation, as well as the mechanisms of how these proteins can come together to generate forces to position nuclei. I will describe simulations to study these biophysical processes. I will also describe optimization algorithms for culture media formulation.
To learn more about the research they do, please visit: Biophysical Modelling Group PagePart II: 26th April 2021
We welcome our new PIs in BII who will be showcasing their research and highlighting developments that will be part of the journey of BII as the Bioinformatics hub in Singapore and a world class centre.
The PIs will be sharing their cutting edge research and also explore how it will be beneficial to and benefit from ongoing work in BII.
Neerja Karnani
Abstract: It is becoming apparent that changes in human exposures and behaviors are shaping the health adversities of future. Also, the availability of big data and multi-omics technologies are providing deeper insights into human variation and disease susceptibility. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in building multi-omics roadmaps and using systems approaches to identify biomarkers and interventions linked with health adversities (eg. Metabolic disorders and mental health) and suboptimal lifestyle that are currently plaguing the global health and economy. During our research journey we have established distinguished collaborations and delivered tangible scientific advances to multiple consortia, cohort studies, intervention trials, national platforms and nutrition industries.
Samuel K.E Gan
Abstract: Innovations in Antibody Therapeutics and Viral Epitope Prediction Experimental Platform with Non-A*STAR areas of Scientific Phone Apps and Device Prototyping and Psychology. More information can be seen from publications in https://scholar.google.com.sg/citations?user=3zUyNmYAAAAJ&hl=en and https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Samuel_Ken_En_Gan as well as videos in fb.com/APDLab/.
To learn more about the research they do, please visit: Antibody and Product Development Group PageKumar Selvarajoo
Abstract: Modern data derived from living systems are large and often time-series based. The proper interpretation of the complex data requires techniques borrowed from other disciplines such as mathematics, physics, computer science and statistics. In this talk, I highlight selected works from our lab using systems biology approaches to tackle immune, cancer and microbial biofilm complexities and their regulation.
To learn more about the research they do, please visit: Computational Biology & Omics Lab Group PageWong Wing Cheong
Abstract: BioMed DAR is a SSSO (Standard Systems Support Office) to support clinical research data management for A*STAR BMRC funded programmes
Yu Weimiao
Abstract: This presentation will share some bioimage analysis and AI-based digital pathology diagnosis capabilities of CDP teams. We focus on cellular level digital image analysis, including cell/nuclei segmentation, cell tracking to under the migrating cell behaviors, collagen image quantification for the organ fibrosis, and cancer progression, etc. Our recent developments on the structural annotation of digital pathology image databased, digital pathology image quality control, and AI-model learning for the diagnosis, etc., are also demonstrated.
To learn more about the research they do, please visit: Computational Digital Pathology Lab Group PageLiang Kai Cheng
Abstract: Cancer diagnosis and treatment often require tissue biopsies and resections that are sent for microscopic assessment (known as ‘histopathology’), which is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. For organs requiring complex access such as endoscopy, difficulties in adequate tissue sampling are compounded. Real-time visualization of tissue before and after excision that approaches the diagnostic quality and surpasses the coverage of resection histopathology may expedite disease detection and intervention.
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