Bioinformatics, which enables the evaluation of the knowledge offered by biology with the analysis techniques of computer technologies, aims to increase the comprehensibility of biological processes. Emphasizing that bioinformatics provides convenience to scientists particularly in both identifying disease-causing agents and finding treatments for these diseases, Assistant Professor Dr. Fatma Gizem Avcı draws attention to the beginning of a brand new era in personalized medicine. Avcı states that solving biological questions through computer programs has also become possible thanks to bioinformatics.
Bioinformatics Provides Convenience to Scientists
Assistant Professor Dr. Fatma Gizem Avcı, Head of the Bioengineering English Department at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, discussed the benefits that bioinformatics, an interdisciplinary scientific field, provides in the healthcare sector.
Rapidly Developed as a Result of Demand
Stating that bioinformatics, formed by the combination of the words biology and informatics, is an interdisciplinary scientific field, Assistant Professor Dr. Fatma Gizem Avcı said, 'Bioinformatics allows the evaluation of the knowledge provided by biology with the analysis techniques of computer technologies. The use of computers in molecular biology began with the creation of molecular sequence and three-dimensional molecular structure databases. As a result of the demand generated by biological experiments such as gene expression, protein-protein interaction, biologically active molecule research, and bacterial, yeast, animal, and human genome projects, which produce very high amounts of data in a short time, information technology applications in this field developed rapidly.'
Aims to Collect and Analyze Information
Stating that bioinformatics is a scientific sub-discipline that involves using computer technology to collect, store, analyze, and disseminate biological data and information, Assistant Professor Dr. Fatma Gizem Avcı said, 'The primary goal of bioinformatics is to increase the comprehensibility of biological processes. For this purpose, different techniques such as pattern recognition, data mining, machine learning algorithms, and visualization are utilized. Using bioinformatics tools, research is conducted in various fields such as the analysis of genome sequence data, drug design, drug discovery (target identification, biomarker prediction), analysis and prediction of gene/protein structure and function, protein structure alignment, analysis of gene variation and expression, protein-protein interactions, prediction and detection of gene regulatory networks, evolutionary modeling, and cell division/mitosis.'
Requires a Multifaceted and Disciplined Approach
Assistant Professor Dr. Fatma Gizem Avcı said, 'Molecular biology and genetics, which investigate the living systems that constitute biological diversity, the functions of these systems, the biomolecules that make up living organisms, how these molecules are processed, and how genetic information is transferred, require a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach,' and continued her words as follows:
'It is highly noteworthy that molecules, which are carriers of information, and molecular structures essential for life are generally polymeric in nature. Such polymers, which can be written as sequences or words, and related topics can be processed by computers, enabling the interpretation, storage, and visualization of biological data. Thus, the solution of biological questions through computer programs becomes possible thanks to bioinformatics. Through bioinformatics, sequences can be compared by alignment after searching biological databases, while protein structures can be investigated and phylogenetic analyses can be performed.'
A New Era Has Begun in Personalized Medicine
Avcı stated that studies related to the examination of genetic disorders have shifted from single-gene research towards the discovery of cellular gene networks, understanding their complex interactions, and determining their roles in disease, and said, 'As a result of this, a brand new era has begun in personalized medicine. Bioinformatics guides and assists researchers in leveraging the advantages brought by computational biology.'
Bioinformatics Provides Convenience to Scientists
Assistant Professor Dr. Fatma Gizem Avcı stated that any system where information can be digitally processed within evolving technology also falls within the application area of bioinformatics, and said, 'Thus, bioinformatics can be applied from a single cell to entire ecosystems. In this way, bioinformatics particularly facilitates scientists in both the detection of disease-causing agents and the discovery of treatments for these diseases, and supports the development of new technologies.'