Translational bioinformatics applications in genome medicine

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Genomic Medicine
• Translational Research

Background:

• Bioinformaticians traditionally supported genomic experiments in analytic and engineering roles.
• Recent advancements enable bioinformaticians to take primary scientific roles in medical research.

Discussion:

• The field of bioinformatics is poised for a significant evolution, moving towards a primary role in medical discovery.
• This shift is supported by the increasing public availability of data, enabling broader analysis.
• The intersection of data across diverse experiments and the commoditization of analytical methods further empower bioinformaticians.

Key Insights:

• Bioinformaticians can now drive primary medical discovery by asking and answering critical questions.
• Streamlined validation processes facilitate quicker translation of findings.
• Four key factors enable this transition: data availability, data intersection, method commoditization, and validation.

Outlook:

• Bioinformaticians are encouraged to engage more deeply in translational research.
• Recommendations are provided for those seeking to advance their involvement in medical discovery.
• This strategic shift promises to accelerate breakthroughs in understanding and treating human diseases.