This project aims to develop state-of-the-art computational methods for predicting structure of bio-molecules, and for annotating new functional RNAs.
Dr. Anne Condon , University of British Columbia
Proteins have long been recognized as the activists of the cell, involved in virtually all cellular processes, while RNA molecules aid in the translation of DNA to proteins and regulate the expression of genes. This project aims to develop state-of-the-art computational methods for predicting structure of bio-molecules, and for annotating new functional RNAs. Specifically, the team seeks improved understanding of how genes function and the roles that RNA and proteins play within cells, objectives that will aid in disease diagnosis and treatment as well as the design of new drugs. In the past year, several improvements to both protein and RNA structure prediction methods have been made. New software for protein prediction has been licensed to Bioinformatics Solutions Inc., while the team’s new contributions enable biological and medical researchers to obtain improved structure predictions, which may be useful in understanding causes of disease and in developing drug treatments.