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High end bioinformatics solution by NMITLI

Our News Bureau - Mumbai

The honourable Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Kapil Sibal launched Geno-cluster, a bioinformatics software developed jointly by the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology and Jalaja Technologies, under the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) programme.

Geno-cluster is a suite of high-end software applications based on concepts, which are fundamental to comparative genomics. The tools primarily aim to predict genes, protein functionality and virulence factors. They work in tandem to provide a platform conducive to cutting edge research in the in-silico design of novel drug molecules and vaccines. Highly sophisticated Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are employed to identify genes, non-genes or virulent factors.

The high accuracy of the results emphasises the success of the machine learning and statistical biology concepts. The software package includes a number of stand-alone software tools namely, Gene 'D'cfer, Proteome calkulator and Seapath, as well as PL-HoST, developed by IGIB independently.

Sibal said that the NMITLI programme is poised to charter new territories. It would not only build innovation driven technology niches for economic and industrial development of the country, but also explore and develop newer models for innovation development.