Bioinformatics Research Laboratory (BIRL)

The SupBiotech BIRL develops in silico (i.e., computer-based) tools that apply computational chemistry, molecular modeling, and theoretical systems biology to simulate molecular and cellular processes.

BIRL Activities

Discovering modulators of cellular growth and metabolism

The BIRL’s primary goal is to identify modulators of cellular growth and metabolism. Means of inhibiting or increasing the growth of highly proliferative cells have many applications, from bioproduction to therapeutic research aimed at fighting cancer and parasitic diseases. The creation of qualitative and quantitative models of metabolism furthers therapeutic research into the mechanisms of action behind certain anticancer treatments and leads to the discovery of ways to enhance the production of secondary metabolites with high added value, like biofuels.

Developing in silico tools

BIRL research relies on

the use of existing bioinformatic tools employed by the pharmaceutical industry
the production of new computer tools or models of biological processes (i.e., metabolism) to meet research needs
expertise in mathematics and statistics, a central pillar of the research strategy

The aim in developing these in silico platforms is to have industrial expertise inform the development of high-tech tools for academic research, and vice versa. In concrete terms, our work leads to the discovery of new medicines (e.g., antimalarials and anticancer drugs) and the development of organisms that can be used in the most promising fields of application for biotechnology (e.g., fermentation and biofuels). 
Each year, several SupBiotech student interns participate in BIRL projects. This contributes valuably to their education and also benefits the laboratory, which is eager to welcome students interested in bioinformatics.