Illustration of non-coding RNA

Clinical Bioinformatics

The Department “Clinical Bioinformatics” is concerned with analyzing molecular information using computer-based methods such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other algorithms. Its focus lies on spatially and temporally resolved processes to help understand how bacteria, as producers of natural products, interact with humans and can trigger or even protect against disease. This department is located at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS).

Prof Dr Andreas Keller

Head

Prof Dr Andreas Keller
Head of Research Group

Our Research

The Department of Clinical Bioinformatics group focuses on computational methods for the analysis of nucleic acids, primarily RNAs. One focus of the research is on the regulatory mechanisms of non-coding RNAs and the impact of various influencing factors on the spatially and temporally resolved single-cell transcriptome. Based on the experience in modeling regulatory influences, the interaction of bacteria with humans is also investigated. Here, the exchange of information and material between commensal and pathogenic bacteria and their host is considered. The aim is to find new producers of natural products that can serve as a basis for the development of new active substances. The medical focus is to better understand and influence aging processes and neurodegenerative diseases of old age such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.