Vision Bioinformatics and Computation

VISION BIOINFORMATICS and COMPUTATION MODULE Project Summary The goal of the Vision Bioinformatics & Computation (VBC) module is to increase our understanding of biological processes in vision research by applying state-of-the-art techniques, specifically bioinformatics and custom programming, and by training the next generation of vision researchers. Despite the University's excellent bioinformatics analysis and computational cores, the lack of bioinformaticians/programmers with expertise in vision neuroscience and ophthalmology prompted the creation of this module. Through VBC, NEI R01 investigators will have easy access to high-level expertise in vision bioinformatics and custom programming as well as the support needed to design, execute, analyze, interpret, and manage results required or facilitated by informatics and computational applications. VBC enables NEI R01 investigators and vision scientists to leverage “omics” data to accelerate translational research and improve patient care by providing access and training in cutting-edge functional genomics tools to identify novel ocular disease genes and eye disease variants. VBC will also provide the expertise needed for the development of customized acquisition and analysis pipelines for a wide variety of applications including electrophysiology, visual function tests, and advanced imaging including multi-photon, spinning disk, and confocal microscopy of both fixed and living tissue. These advancements are critical to understanding disease mechanisms to facilitate early diagnostics and innovative new approaches for clinical care.