GENOMICS
In the research area Genomics we focus on the analysis of next-generation sequencing and gene expression data. Of high importance is the investigation of crucial factors of the human immune system. The human adaptive immune system plays a vital role in the detection of potential pathogens and diseases that are difficult or (yet) impossible to cure, such as various types of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Our research covers a wide spectrum, which includes immune repertoire analysis, point mutation identification (variant calling), gene expression analysis, and signaling pathway analyses based on large datasets. Recent research is dedicated to the analysis of the functionality of the immune system during transplantation processes, understanding processes in acute myeloid leukemia, and determining relapse events in chronic myeloid leukemia patients. The main tasks here are the identification and description of the components and signaling pathways which lead to a specific immune reaction, or which differ in diseased and supposedly healthy individuals. This makes an important contribution to the explainability of various diseases and the development of new, innovative therapies.
The latest technologies in molecular biology generate large amounts of data that need to be analyzed efficiently. Our goal is to design and develop algorithms, workflows, and tools to allow for better understanding of the development and progress of different diseases based on genomics data and additionally, provide a basis for the development of innovative and patient-centered therapeutics.
Since 2012, we have been developing the ImmunExplorer (IMEX) software, which enables algorithms for the analysis of the human immune repertoire, the immunoglobulins and T cell receptors, from blood and tissue data. An extensive expansion and continuation of ImmunExplorer, namely ImmunoDataAnalyzer (IMDA), was published in 2022. In close cooperation with our partners at MedUni Vienna, AKH Vienna, University of Salzburg and the Hospital of the Barmherzigen Brüder we strive to advance the research area and intensify national and international cooperation. Recently, in 2024, we published our Software Interface for Point Mutation Identification (IMPI) dedicated to identifying nucleotide substitutions in NGS data.
