Introduction
The Bioinformatics Research Group is affiliated with the Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology, and was established in October 2012. The group is a collaboration among lecturers and researchers from the Faculty of Information Technology, the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, and the Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory.
Each year, the group selects 3 to 5 undergraduate students from the three aforementioned faculties to conduct their graduation theses in the field of bioinformatics. In addition, 1 to 2 master's students are accepted annually to carry out their thesis research.
Goals and Orientation
- Expand opportunities for collaboration, training, and advanced research at international laboratories
- Leverage the strengths of the University of Science in Information Technology, Mathematics, and Biology to build and promote the still-nascent field of Bioinformatics in Vietnam
- Utilize the vast wealth of experimental data available worldwide for scientific research
- Support and guide experimental design through computational tools to reduce time and cost
General Research Focus
The group focuses on gene and protein expression analysis through sequence-based approaches. Key areas of study include codon usage, GC content, repeat regions, open reading frames (ORFs), and RNA secondary structures, with the aim of supporting protein expression research.
In addition, the group conducts biological data mining, particularly on DNA and mRNA sequences such as promoters, untranslated regions (UTRs), and coding regions, as well as on next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.
By leveraging the interdisciplinary strengths of its members from various scientific backgrounds, the group's research has been steadily developing and has achieved promising initial results. The synergy among the Faculties of Mathematics and Computer Science, Information Technology, and Biology – Biotechnology gives the group an advantage in implementing specialized research topics and projects.
The group is committed to promoting the development of bioinformatics in Vietnam and enhancing its applications in biological and life sciences research.
Specific Research Directions
Genomics
- Phân tích dữ liệu giải trình tự gene thế hệ mới (NGS – Next Generation SequencingAnalyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data from biological or environmental samples
- Investigating genomic features such as antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes, unique and core genes across organism groups
- Exploring gene resources from natural strains for research and applications
- Building gene and protein databases to support molecular biology and biotechnology research
- Developing gene sequence optimization programs for heterologous expression systems
- Designing and developing bioinformatics tools tailored to specific experimental needs
Proteomics
- Predicting protein structures to create datasets for functional and applied research
- Analyzing structural properties of proteins, including stability, secretion potential, toxicity, and immunogenicity, to support vaccine development and bioproduct research
- Investigating protein interactions with receptors or small molecules to screen for biologically active compounds, contributing to drug design and biotechnological product development