Epigenomics
Epigenetic modifications regulate the accessibility of specific regions of DNA and are therefore important regulators of gene transcription.
Epigenomics makes it possible to decipher non-genetic components of complex human diseases and to understand disease variation. The epigenome consists of chemical compounds that alter or mark the genome so that it knows what to do, where do to it, and when to do it. (Different cells have different epigenetic marks that are not part of the DNA itself and can be passed from cell to cell and from one generation to the next during cell division.)
Modules
Our suite of analytical modules enables in-depth analysis of medical data, providing valuable insights. We combine relevant analysis modules to build and run the best possible analysis for you. A selection of analytical modules can be found here.
Dimensionality reduction is a technique used to reduce the number of features or variables in a dataset while maintaining the information content. Some techniques for dimensionality reduction used in our pipleine include Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP).
Clustering is a technique used to group similar cells or samples together in a dataset. The goal of clustering is to divide the data into distinct groups, called clusters, such that the cells or samples within a cluster are more similar to each other than to those in other clusters. Clustering is a useful tool to discover hidden patterns in the data.
Marker molecule identification is the process of identifying specific biomolecules, such as proteins or RNA, that can be used to distinguish between different biological states or cell types.
Cell-type annotation refers to the process of identifying and labeling the different types of cells present in a biological sample. Cell-type annotation is an important step for obtaining accurate and specific information about the biological system, and it is useful for understanding gene expression patterns, identifying new cell types and markers, and for understanding the cellular interactions in the sample.
Perturbation analysis is a technique used to study how small changes/perturbations affects the whole system. In biology, a perturbation can be introduced at the genetic level, for example through CRISPR technology or administration of specific drugs, and the resulting phenotype is then studied. This helps to understand the function of the gene that has been perturbed in the cell.
Differential expression analysis is a statistical method used to identify genes, transcripts or other features that have different expression levels between two or more groups of samples. The goal of DEA is to identify the features (i.e. genes or transcripts) that are differentially expressed between the groups of samples, and to quantify the magnitude of the difference in expression.
Transcriptional regulator prediction is a computational technique used to identify and predict the proteins or other molecules (often referred to as transcription factors) that regulate the transcription of genes. Transcriptional regulator prediction is useful to understand the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression and to identify potential drug targets. It can also aid in understanding the genetic regulation of diseases, and in the design of new therapies.
Time series analysis is a statistical technique that is used to analyze and model time-dependent data. It involves identifying patterns, trends, and dependencies in a sequence of data points, collected at regular intervals over time. The goal of time series analysis is to understand the underlying patterns and processes in the data.
The combination of high-dimensional omics data and data collected in the clinics provides a more holistic view on patients and opens up the possibility to better identify and characterize patient groups.
Feature selection is a process in machine learning and statistics used to identify the most relevant features or variables in a dataset, with the goal of improving the performance of a model or algorithm. The idea is that by removing irrelevant or redundant features, the model can be simpler and more efficient, while also reducing overfitting and the risk of false discovery.
The goal of patient classification is to identify subgroups of patients who have similar characteristics, such as similar gene expression profiles, and to use this information to guide treatment decisions or develop personalized medicine strategies.
Understanding the epigenome holds the key to a comprehensive understanding of genetic regulation in biological processes. For example, cancer epigenetics research methods help us characterize epigenetic changes in cancer and provide insight into tumorigenic pathways and disease progression.
With our analyses, we open the door to epigenomic research of your samples. Our expertise comprises the analysis of the following epigenomic technologies
CHIP-Sequencing
ATAC-Sequencing
Methylome-Sequencing
Research goals
With our analytical modules we tackle a wide range of possible research questions.
Identifying specific molecules or biological pathways that are involved in disease and that can be targeted with drugs are crucial for the development of new therapeutics. The goal is to find new targets that can be used to develop new and more effective drugs to treat a variety of diseases.
Understanding the mechanism of action of a substance (e.g. drug) can help scientists and researchers understand how it works, and can also inform the improvement or the development of new drugs or treatments. Importantly, understanding the mechanism of action of a substance can also help in understanding its potential risks and side effects.
Biomarkers can be used to diagnose and monitor disease, to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment, or to predict the likelihood of developing a certain condition. Therefore, a proper biomarker is an essential tool for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Investigating drug responses refers to the study of how a specific drug or treatment interacts with the body and produces its effects. It is closely related to the understanding of mechanism of action.
Companion diagnostics refer to diagnostic tests that are used in conjunction with specific therapeutic drugs to help identify patients who are most likely to benefit from the treatment, or to predict which patients may be at risk for side effects. The development of companion diagnostics is an important aspect of personalized medicine, which aims to tailor treatments to individual patients based on their unique characteristics, such as their genetic makeup or biomarkers.
Exploration of cellular heterogeneity refers to the study of the diversity of cells within a tissue or organism. Exploring cellular heterogeneity is important for understanding the functioning of different cell types within a tissue and how they interact with each other, as well as for understanding the diversity of diseases and disorders.
With the characterization of diseases you gain an understanding of the underlying molecular causes of a specific disease or condition. This includes identifying risk factors and biomarkers associated with the disease, as well as understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development and progression of the disease.
Transcriptional regulation refers to the control of gene expression. It is mainly controlled by transcription factors, which in turn are controlled by signalling pathways. Understanding these mechanisms is important for understanding how cells and organisms develop and respond to their environment.
Identifying and characterising different subgroups of patients or cellular subtypes within a particular disease diagnosis can help to better understand the underlying causes of the disease and can lead to more effective treatment strategies.
Cellular processes include cell growth and division, metabolism, communication between cells, and many more. The characterization of cellular processes is important for understanding how cells work, both individually and in conjunction with other cells, and how they interact with their environment.