Bioinformatics requires all of the above, plus infrastructure and expertise in genomics, structural biology, chemistry, pharmaceutics, imaging, bioengineering, and medicine. Future of Bioinformatics Through the Human Genome Project , the precise genetic sequences of all 30,000 genes that any human cell contains have been mapped. It is now critical to elucidate the function of each gene, as it is this information that will lead to a greater understanding of human development and the ability to treat many diseases, including AIDS, cancer, MS, and Alzheimer's. Bioinformatics seeks to extract medically relevant and biologically important information from our rapidly expanding knowledge of genetic sequences. When produced in sufficient quantity and purity, these proteins can be used for biological testing, medical treatments, or structural biology.
Drugs typically work by interacting strongly, in a structure-specific way, with particular proteins.
If we know, for example, that a pathogen produces a particular protein necessary for its survival, and if we can find a way to block that protein by designing a tailor-made molecule to bind to that protein, we have taken a first step toward the design of a new drug. This is the goal of bioinformatics and the reason for establishing a Buffalo Bioinformatics Center . Bioinformatics in Western New York Western New York is in a unique position to form a world-class Center in Bioinformatics. Expertise in parallel computing, pattern searching, the design of complex databases, and the display of multi-dimensional data is complemented by a leading academic supercomputing facility. The mission of the BBC is to act as a research, development, education, and economic outreach resource for industries based on bioinformatics, including those engaged in information technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.