Networks in protein sequence space, based on a biophysical model that has been applied extensively in the study of protein evolution. The image here shows a supernet of sequences (background) that is made up of interconnecting neutral nets (top). Neutral nets are often superfunnels, or basins of attraction in evolution (middle). The bottom drawing shows a real-life example of conformational switches between two superfunnels. Image created by Tobias Sikosek and Hue Sun Chan.
Biochemical research programs are becoming increasingly reliant on adopting computer-based approaches. Of particular significance is the integration and visualization of so-called “big data”‘ – datasets ranging from tens of terabytes to petabytes associated with the recent emergence of metabolomic and next-generation sequencing platforms.
With access to sophisticated computing platforms featuring tens of thousands of processors, many faculty members develop and apply bioinformatics and modelling tools across a wide variety of research topics including:
- Sequencing and analysing the genomes of phage, viruses, bacteria and parasites
- Modeling macromolecular structure and function
- Investigating the organization and dynamics of biochemical pathways
- Understanding the evolution of genes and genomes
- Identifying the relationships between a microbiome and its environment
Faculty in the Department conducting research in this area:
DNA Replication, DNA Damage and Genome Instability
Grant W. Brown LaboratoryDonnelly Centre, Room 1206
160 College Street
Dr. Grant W. Brown
416-946-5733 grant.brown@utoronto.ca
Theoretical and Computational Investigations of Protein Folding, Interactions, and Evolution
Chan Research GroupMSB 5207
1 King's College Circle
Dr. Hue Sun Chan
416-978-2697 chan@arrhenius.med.utoronto.ca
Bacteriophages
Davidson LabMaRS Centre, West Tower
661 University Ave., Room 1634
Toronto, ON
Dr. Alan R. Davidson
416-978-0332 alan.davidson@utoronto.ca
The Evolution of Microbial Disease
Ensminger Group661 University Avenue - MaRS West Tower
Room 1637
Dr. Alexander W. Ensminger
416-978-6522 alex.ensminger@utoronto.ca
Structural Studies of Disordered Proteins
Forman-Kay labMolecular Medicine
Hospital for Sick Children
Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL)
Room 20-9713
686 Bay Street
Dr. Julie D. Forman-Kay
416-813-5358 forman@sickkids.ca
Investigating the pathophysiology of atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome caused by DGKE deficiency
Lemaire LabCell Biology Department
Peter Gilgan Centre For Research and Learning
SickKids Research Institute
686 Bay Street, room 19.9704
Dr. Mathieu Lemaire
416-813-7654 ext. 309419 mathieu.lemaire@sickkids.ca
Models for Cardiac and Neuronal Drug Toxicity and New Methods of Improving Cardiac Function
Maynes LabDepartment of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave
Dr. Jason T. Maynes
416-813-5934 jason.maynes@sickkids.ca
Membrane Protein Structural Biology
Moraes LabMaRS Center, West Tower
661 University Ave., Rm 1613
Dr. Trevor F. Moraes
416-946-3048 trevor.moraes@utoronto.ca
Structural Studies of Virus Assembly
University of Toronto
MaRS Discovery Centre, West Tower
661 University Avenue
Dr. Michael Norris
416-946-7884 michael.norris@utoronto.ca
Parasites and Microbes in Health and Disease
Parkinson LabPeter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning
20th Floor, RM 20.9709
686 Bay Street
Dr. John Parkinson
416-813-5746 jparkin@sickkids.ca
Computational Studies of Biomolecular Structure and Function
Pomès LabPGCRL Room 21.9713
Hospital for Sick Children
686 Bay St
Dr. Régis Pomès
416-813-5686 pomes@sickkids.ca
4D Genomics in Development
Sawh LabMaRS, West Tower Rm 1632
661 University Ave
Dr. Ahilya N. Sawh
ahilya.sawh@utoronto.ca
Computational Biology, Complexity and Society
Steipe LabMedical Sciences Building, 5316-B
1 King's College Circle
Dr. Boris Steipe
(416) 946-7741 boris.steipe@utoronto.ca
Fundamental Mechanisms of Molecular Self-Assembly
Yip Lab404 - 160 College St
Dr. Christopher M. Yip
416-978-7853 christopher.yip@utoronto.ca