Bioinformatics in Translational Medicine(BIT-M)

Vision
The Bioinformatics in Translational Medicine (BIT-M) group aims at developing innovative approaches to medical research and clinical practice by integrating cutting-edge bioinformatics with translational medicine. Our approach leverages on high-throughput technologies, advanced computational methods, and multi-disciplinary collaborations to translate scientific discoveries into tangible health outcomes.

Mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application, accelerating the development of personalized therapies and improving patient outcomes. By harnessing the power of bioinformatics, we strive to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of diseases, predict therapeutic responses, and uncover novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment.

Objectives

• Innovative Research: Conduct pioneering research to identify genetic and phenotypic variations in cell populations across different diseases, tissues, and species, with a focus on their implications in health and disease.
• Translational Impact: Develop and implement computational tools to model the evolution of cell populations and their microenvironments, providing insights that drive clinical innovation.
• Collaborative Excellence: Foster collaborations with top-tier academic institutions, industry leaders, and government organizations to enhance the scope and impact of our translational research.
• Precision Medicine: Integrate data generated from different high-throughput technologies to create precision medicine tools that offer tailored therapeutic strategies for individual patients. Research Highlights:
• Neuroblastoma Research: Our current research aims to unravel the molecular and cellular origins of metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance in neuroblastoma, a cancer responsible for 15% of pediatric oncology deaths worldwide. This work is poised to transform the therapeutic landscape for this devastating disease​​.
• Computational Method Development: We are developing novel computational methods for modeling single cell population evolution and characterizing T- and B-cell receptor repertoires in cancer and other complex diseases. These advancements will provide insights into immune system dynamics and disease progression​.
• Integration of High-Throughput Data: By integrating diverse high-throughput data sources, including spatial and sequence-based technologies, we aim to develop comprehensive tools for precision medicine. This integration will enable us to address complex biological questions and tailor treatments based on spatiotemporal data​. Future Directions: To further solidify our role in translational medicine, we are committed to:
• Enhancing Big Data Utilization: Leveraging big data and machine learning to identify new drug targets and refine therapeutic strategies.
• Expanding Partnerships: Building robust partnerships with institutions driving innovation in translational sciences.
• Implementing Advanced Metrics: Developing clear metrics to assess the impact of our translational medicine initiatives and communicate their value within the broader scientific and clinical communities​. The BIT-M group is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of bioinformatics and translational medicine. By combining innovative research with practical applications, we aim to transform the future of healthcare, offering new hope and solutions for patients worldwide.

Externa Samarbeten
Per Kogner. Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

John-Inge Johnsen. Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Malin Wickström. Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Ninib Baryawno. Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Cecilia Dyberg. Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Tomas Bexellius. Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Paediatric Oncology Unit, Astrid Lindgren’s Children Hospital, Solna, Sweden

Claudia Kutter. Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Marie Arsenian-Henriksson. Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Daniel Bexell. Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.

Adriana Manas. Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ Research Center, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.

Francisco M. Vega. Department of Cell Biology, Universidad de Sevilla, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla - IBiS, Sevilla, Spain.