Bioinformatics at the Nexus of Omics and Imaging:

At the crux of our research is the development of advanced computational methods, tailored to the precise quantification of non-coding mRNA regions within large-scale transcriptomic data. This data spans a wide array of sequencing data, including bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomics. We are passionate about seamlessly integrating this wealth of information with other omics datasets, such as Clip-sequencing data, to decipher the intricate regulatory mechanisms at play.

Illuminating Phenotype-Genotype Relationships:

Our primary goal is to discern the extent to which aberrant non-coding RNA production contributes to abnormal phenotypes at the cellular and tissue levels. To accomplish this, we are pioneering computational pipelines designed for feature-based and segmentation-free analysis of diverse biological images. These encompass histopathological specimens, bright field and fluorescent images, as well as cellular micrographs.

From Neurodegeneration to Cancer:

Our research journey initially focused on neuronal cells, renowned for their intricate architecture and unique mRNA metabolism, a prerequisite for the functionality of these highly compartmentalized cells. While we continue our investigative work on motor neurons and astrocytes, we have also embarked on a compelling expansion into the realm of cancer research. In particular we investigate whether these non-coding RNA sequences play pivotal roles in conferring resistance to cancer therapies. Ultimately, our aim is to expedite the development of novel RNA-based therapeutic strategies for complex human disorders, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.