Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core

ABSTRACT (Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core) The growing availability of large-scale, high-dimensional molecular information and clinical research data, as well as sophisticated statistical methodologies for analyzing these complex data, provides unprecedented opportunity to advance clinical and translational research of cardiometabolic disease. However, extensive study design, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and computational expertise is needed to appropriately incorporate these cutting-edge advancements into biomedical research. As part of the proposed Centers for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase 2 grant, we will establish a new Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core (BBC) that will serve as a hub for study design, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and computational support. The overall objectives of the BBC are: 1.) To expand study design, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and computational resources, capacity, and support in the COBRE program through the establishment of a dedicated analytic and computational infrastructure; and 2.) To train and assist research project leaders (RPLs), pilot project leaders (PPLs), other COBRE investigators, and collaborators in the application of sophisticated bioinformatics and biostatistics approaches that promote high-quality research. To achieve these objectives, the BBC will provide RPLs, PPLs, other COBRE investigators, and collaborators with the support in study design, bioinformatics, and biostatistics that is needed to conduct high-quality clinical and translational research of cardiometabolic disease (Aim 1). Furthermore, we will leverage our expertise in bioinformatics and biostatistics to develop and implement novel tools and methods that are tailored to Research Projects of RPLs, PPLs, other COBRE investigators, and collaborators and may be adapted and adopted by the Tulane scientific community. As part of Aim 2, the BBC will provide training opportunities to RPLs, PPLs, other COBRE investigators, and collaborators seeking to broaden and enhance their clinical and translational research skills. Our proposed workshops and one-on-one mentorship opportunities will build bioinformatics, biostatistics, and computational research skills, empowering COBRE investigators and collaborators to independently conduct rigorous clinical and translational research in cardiometabolic disease. To ensure continued visibility and utilization of the BBC beyond the COBRE funding period, we will also establish a self-sustaining BBC that will serve as a long-term resource for the Tulane University scientific community (Aim 3). Our self-sustaining core facility will be supported by NIH-funded research studies, as well as fee-based services for non-COBRE investigators. In total, the BBC is a critical component of the COBRE Phase 2 program, which will be extensively utilized by all four proposed COBRE Research and Pilot Projects. The BBC will provide Tulane investigators with the supports necessary to accelerate scientific discovery and translate those discoveries to public health practice and clinical care in cardiometabolic disease.