Developing new genomics technologies to map DNA epigenetic modifications and damage in humans, parasites and cancer

This conference is part of the AI4Health Lecture Series organised by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Life Sciences and Medicine of the University of Luxembourg. The talk takes place online via this link on Webex

Abstract

DNA is much more than ACGT. I will give a broad overview of the experimental and computational technologies and challenges used to map and understand epigenetic modifications, damage and structures in DNA. We are just beginning to understand how changes to the chemistry of DNA play a key role in the development of diseases (e.g. cancer), life cycle control and development of eukaryotic diseases. Using recent projects from my own collaborative research with talented chemists and biologists I will introduce the state of the art in the areas of DNA epigenetics from a computational perspective. 

Speaker

Sergio is starting a research group in bioinformatics exploring fundamental mechanisms of protein degradation and DNA epigenetics at the interface between industry and academia. He builds from his early training in laboratory chemistry and biochemistry, through a PhD and postdoc appointments in bioinformatics and cheminformatics developing projects in collaboration with wet-lab colleagues sharing his time between the AstraZeneca headquarters and the University of Cambridge. Outside research, Sergio teaches bioinformatics at university, contributes as an editor of the emerging journal Frontiers in Bioinformatics and supports the growth of the European life science data infrastructure ELIXIR. Beyond science, he has a passion for team sports, languages and culture/gastronomy.