More at http://www.mathivananlab.org/index.html

http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=U6PyEdYAAAAJ&hl=en

More at https://boards.greenhouse.io/twistbioscience/jobs/3135495?gh_src=9ecc0b941us

Now my main interests are in gene regulation, where we work on promoter analysis; non-coding RNA, where miRNAs and structure prediction are the main areas; and protein structure, where the group is working on methods for structure prediction from sequence. To read more about these topics, please see the research pages.

Lab page @ http://wiki.binf.ku.dk/User:Krogh

The course Bioinformatics Algorithms (Part 1) by Pavel Pevzner, Phillip E. C. Compeau, and Nikolay Vyahhi from University of California, San Diego will be offered free of charge to everyone on the Coursera platform. Sign up at http://www.coursera.org/course/bioinformatics.

https://evirusbioinfc.notion.site/18e21bc49827484b8a2f84463cb40b8d?v=92e7eb6703be4720abf17a901bc9a947

Address of the bookmark: https://evirusbioinfc.notion.site/18e21bc49827484b8a2f84463cb40b8d?v=92e7eb6703be4720abf17a901bc9a947

Lab page @ http://krishna.gs.washington.edu/index.html

What is Bacterial Comparative Genomics?

Comparative genomics involves the systematic comparison of genomes across different bacterial species or strains. This approach allows scientists to:

• Identify conserved and unique genes.

• Explore genetic determinants of pathogenicity.

• Understand bacterial evolution and phylogenetics.

• Investigate horizontal gene transfer and its role in antibiotic resistance.

Bioinformatics is central to these analyses, enabling the processing and interpretation of large-scale genomic data.

Key Steps in Bacterial Comparative Genomics

1. Genome Sequencing and Assembly: The process begins with obtaining high-quality bacterial genome sequences. Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have made it faster and more affordable to sequence bacterial genomes. Tools such as SPAdes and Velvet are commonly used for genome assembly.

2. Genome Annotation: Annotating a genome involves identifying genes, regulatory elements, and other genomic features. Automated tools like Prokka and RAST provide functional annotations, allowing researchers to predict the roles of genes and proteins.

3. Genome Alignment: Aligning genomes is crucial for identifying conserved regions, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and structural variations. Tools like Mauve and progressiveMauve are commonly employed for whole-genome alignments.

4. Comparative Analyses:

   • Core and Pan-genome Analysis: The core genome consists of genes shared across all strains of a species, while the pan-genome includes all genes found in any strain. Software like Roary and BPGA can perform core and pan-genome analyses.

   • Phylogenetic Analysis: Comparative genomics often involves reconstructing evolutionary relationships. Tools such as MEGA and IQ-TREE facilitate phylogenetic tree construction based on genomic data.

   • Functional Enrichment Analysis: To understand the biological significance of unique or shared genes, functional enrichment analysis using databases like GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG is essential.

Here are some additional bioinformatics tools that can aid bacterial comparative genomics:

• OrthoFinder: For accurate ortholog identification across multiple genomes.

• PanOCT: Specifically designed for pan-genome clustering and annotation.

• FASTANI: A tool for calculating Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) for microbial genome comparisons.

• CIRCOS: For visually comparing genomic data through circular genome plots.

• Galaxy Platform: A user-friendly web-based platform offering numerous genomic analysis tools.

• BLAST: Essential for sequence alignment and similarity searches.

• PhyloSift: Focused on phylogenetic analysis of microbial genomes using marker genes.

These tools, in combination with the methods discussed, provide a robust framework for conducting comprehensive comparative genomic studies.

Applications of Bacterial Comparative Genomics

1. Understanding Pathogenicity: Comparative genomics helps identify virulence factors that distinguish pathogenic strains from non-pathogenic relatives. For instance, comparing genomes of Escherichia coli strains has revealed key genetic determinants of pathogenicity in enterohemorrhagic strains.

2. Antibiotic Resistance Research: The spread of antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer is a major global concern. Comparative analyses can trace the origins and dissemination of resistance genes, aiding in the development of countermeasures.

3. Microbial Ecology and Evolution: By studying genomic variations, researchers can understand how bacteria adapt to different environments. This is particularly relevant for extremophiles and symbiotic bacteria.

4. Vaccine Development: Identifying conserved antigens across pathogenic strains is critical for vaccine design. Comparative genomics has been instrumental in developing vaccines against pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis.

5. Biotechnology Applications: Comparative studies can uncover unique metabolic pathways in bacteria, paving the way for applications in bioremediation, synthetic biology, and industrial microbiology.

Challenges in Bacterial Comparative Genomics

While the field has made significant strides, several challenges remain:

• Data Overload: The rapid growth of sequencing data requires robust computational infrastructure and efficient algorithms.

• Genome Plasticity: High rates of horizontal gene transfer and genome rearrangements in bacteria complicate comparative analyses.

• Annotation Accuracy: Automated annotation tools are not infallible, and manual curation is often needed for high-confidence results.

• Interpreting Non-Coding Regions: Understanding the functional significance of non-coding genomic regions remains a challenge.

Future Directions

The integration of bacterial comparative genomics with other ‘omics’ approaches—such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—promises a more comprehensive understanding of bacterial biology. Additionally, advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence are likely to further enhance bioinformatics analyses, enabling the prediction of complex phenotypes from genomic data.

Conclusion

Bacterial comparative genomics, driven by bioinformatics, continues to unravel the complexities of bacterial life. From combating antibiotic resistance to uncovering the secrets of microbial evolution, this interdisciplinary field holds immense potential for addressing pressing challenges in microbiology and beyond. As technology advances, so too will our ability to harness the power of comparative genomics for scientific and societal benefit.

(A) Regulatory System Analysis with respect to microRNAs

(B) Computational Epigenomics & Regulomics:

(C) Computational issues with Next Generation Sequencing:

Department of Biotechnology,
Institute of Himalyan Bioresources Technology
CSIR, Palampur(Himachal Pradesh), India.
Email: ravishihbt.res.in; ravish9gmail.com

More @ http://scbb.ihbt.res.in/SCBB_dept/Lab_Member.php

More @ http://www.bioinf.manchester.ac.uk/dbbrowser/index.php

1. Project Junior Research Fellow / Project Assistant

Last Date: 11th Nov 2013

Qualification B.Tech (Comp. Sci.), B.Tech/M.Tech (Bioinformatics), MCA, M.Sc. (Mathematics/Statistics)

Desirable Qualifications: Programming in FORTRAN/ C /PERL, Web application technologies

Upper Age limit 28

Rs.12000 / Rs.16000 (as sanctioned by the funding agency)

General terms and conditions:

Positions are purely temporary and co-terminus with the project.

HRDG (CSIR) prevailing guidelines are applicable these positions.

All categories of applicants are required to submit online application.

Enhancement of stipend to Project JRF to Project SRF will be with the due recommendation of Principal Investigator and approval of the Director on the evaluation of the 3 member Standing Committee consisting of Chairperson at the level of Chief Scientist, Coordinator of the JRFs/RAs/PDFs and the Principal Investigator of the Project.

The age relaxation as per HRDG (CSIR) norms: SC/ST/OBC/Women/Physically Handicapped persons – five years.

The Stipend normally be fixed at Rs.22000/- for Research Associates/Post Doc. Fellows. However, a selected RA/PDF may be placed in the higher start of stipend if there is ample justification and such recommendation is made by the Selection Committee. Based on the recommendation with justification by the PI and approval of the Director, person getting stipend at lower rate may be elevated to higher rate subject to availability of the funds in the project.

Recruitment will be based on initial screening based on qualifications and experience criteria and also based on suitability of the candidates to the nature of research project. This screening will be followed by written test followed / interview. After completing this process, candidates will be shortlisted and appointed in specific project subjects as and when appropriate positions become available. The pool of selected candidates will be valid for six months.

Remunerations indicate are maximum admissible and will depend upon the availability of funds and subject to conditions applicable to projects from different funding agencies at the time of recruitment.

Apply : http://www.ccmb.res.in/positions/projects/temp_positions.php

Form download : http://www.ccmb.res.in/positions/projects/oct-2013/pdf_download.php