Cancer Bioinformatics Core

ABSTRACT, Cancer Bioinformatics Core (CBC) The Cancer Bioinformatics Core (CBC) at Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (IUSCCC) was established in 2015 and first received NIH/NCI CCSG support in the current grant period. Its mission is to provide the IUSCCC cancer research community with top-notch data analysis services by utilizing standardized pipelines for various cutting-edge next-generation sequencing techniques. Additionally, this Shared Resource customizes and develops novel methods for emerging technologies and subsequent bioinformatics analyses. Working closely with IUSCCC members, the CBC assists in development of experimental designs and offers tutoring and educational support to all IUSCCC researchers and trainees who are interested in understanding and applying bioinformatics to cancer research. Moreover, the CBC has strong partnerships with other IUSCCC Shared Resources, such as the Genomics Core, Proteomics Core, and Biostatistics and Data Management Core, to provide IUSCCC members with in-depth bioinformatics services at various levels. These services encompass comprehensive study design, data management (including data collection and processing), and downstream analyses to ensure the research is robust and reproducible. Beyond conducting bioinformatics analyses on data generated by IUSCCC investigators, the CBC is well versed in mining publicly available datasets for cancer research, including The Cancer Genome Atlas, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, and Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments. Such expertise supports or corrects hypotheses and helps assess findings from IUSCCC researchers. The CBC's overarching goal is to integrate data generated by IUSCCC investigators with evidence from the literature to accelerate specific cancer mechanism studies, drug discoveries, and applications of precision medicine or treatment, while providing bioinformatics training for cancer researchers and trainees. Drawing on its expertise in bioinformatics, molecular genetics, genomics, and deep learning/artificial intelligence, the CBC plays a pivotal role in advancing cancer research at IUSCCC. Under the guidance of the IUSCCC Executive Committee and Leadership Council, the core develops robust strategic plans to bolster research programs in IUSCCC, ensuring strong and specialized bioinformatics support while maintaining high efficiency and long-term sustainability.