Drug development
and diagnostics

Medical Bioinformatics Centre focuses on the analysis of high-throughput data produced by modern biotechnologies, such as next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry. The Unit has strong expertise in analysing and interpreting molecular data and it constantly strives for developing new data analysis methods and workflows to support cutting edge research in biology and medicine.  

A specific focus of the research at the Unit is on biomedical applications in close collaboration with experimental and clinical groups. The ultimate goal is to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of complex diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, by combining computational, experimental and clinical expertise.

Medical Bioinformatics Centre provides support and services for the analysis of genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics and proteomics data. The personnel of the Unit consist of more than 20 specialists with expertise in the various fields of bioinformatics and computational biology. 

Our services

• Experimental design consultation
• Data analysis of various data types produced by high-throughput biotechnology instruments (e.g. microarrays, next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry)

Data analysis service package

• Support for experimental design
• Data analysis with state-of-the-art bioinformatics software and in-house tools, including preprocessing, quality assessment, statistical analysis, functional/pathway analysis, and result visualization
• Results with comprehensive analysis report
• Result meeting
• Submission of data to public repository

Medical Bioinformatics Centre

Basic research, Biomarker, Data mining, Genomics, Hit to lead, Machine learning, Molecular diagnostics, Next-generation sequencing, Pattern recognition, Personalized medicine, Proteomics, Target discovery

The Cell Imaging and Cytometry (CIC) is a centralized facility where end users receive the support needed to carry out conventional and advanced imaging and flow cytometry techniques. The unit provides state-of-the-art equipment covering a broad range of live-cell and fixed sample imaging modalities starting from basic widefield microscopy to fluorescence lifetime, super resolution confocal and total internal reflection microscopy. CIC flow cytometry provides cell sorting as a service and maintains analyzers capable of separating up to 17 colours for hands-on use. Users receive one-to-one training from our experienced technical engineers who are available for consultation throughout all steps of the project. CIC is part of the Biocenter Finland Infrastructure Network on Biological Imaging. We cooperate with Turku Bioimaging and EuroBioImaging to improve the accessibility of imaging technologies among the bioscience community.

Contact

Email:   masscytometry[at]bioscience.fi     microscopy[at]bioscience.fi     flow[at]bioscience.fi

Phone:  Microscopy:  +358 (0)50 369 7532
               Flow cytometry: +358 (0)50 365 1598

Web:      Cell Imaging and Cytometry

Atomic-force microscopy, Basic research, Disease models, Drug target, Imaging, Imaging software, Nanoparticles, Screening, Signaling, Super-resolution imaging, Target discovery

Finnish Functional Genomics Centre (FFGC) is part of the national Biocenter Finland infrastructure and an open-access core facility that supports high level research by offering a full range of services with the latest cutting research technologies and instruments. Among the key applications available are genome-wide or targeted analysis of genomes, epigenomes, transcriptomes and metagenomes. You are welcome to contact us for consultation and to enquire about our services: ffgc[at]utu.fi.

FFGC

Basic research, Genomics, Next-generation sequencing, Target discovery

Knowledge of protein structure is central to the understanding of biological processes in living organisms and cells.  The Protein Structure and Chemistry Core Facility assists investigators in the determination and analysis of the 3-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules and their complexes. The facility consists of an in-house X-ray generator and imaging plate detector, cryo-crystallography instrumentation, several computers, a large collection of crystallisation screens, incubators at various temperatures and a crystal imager for automated inspection of crystallizations. The facility provides modern structure determination approaches through regular access to European synchrotrons and use of fully automated remote data collections. Numerous computer programs are available for all the steps of a crystal structure determination and also for visualisation, analysis, and validation of protein structures, homology modelling and docking predictions. The facility has many years of experience in crystal structure determinations and we are able to undertake projects from academic groups and companies.

Protein Structure and Chemistry

Basic research, Hit to lead, Lead optimization, Molecular modelling, Signaling, Target discovery, X-ray crystallography

The Turku Proteomics unit provides advanced proteomics services for academic researchers and industry for all Finland. We have a full range of state of the art mass spectrometers including Q-Exactive and Q-Exactive HF, Orbitrap Velos ETD, Orbitrap Lumos and a ThermoFisher triple quadrupole. We are the Finnish Proteomics methods development centre specialising in the analysis of Post-Translational Modifications (phosphorylation, N-glycosylation, palmitoylation amongst others) as well as quantification methods (targeted SRM, PRM and DIA/SWATH

We provide a full service for samples (from sample preparation to MS data collection and protein identification and quantification) as well as an open access platform whereby customers who have completed a user course can run their own samples. Most quantification methods are available include label-free, TMT, iTRAQ, SILAC and AQUA. We also provide a direct interface with the Turku Bioinformatics unit allowing seamless statistical evaluation of data.

 We have special focus areas of research including biomarker discovery and validation for the clinic and membrane protein analysis. We are developing protocols for small molecule analysis in tissues and serum as well as intact protein-ligand binding monitoring.

Proteomics

Basic research, Biomarker, Drug target, Hit to lead, Lead optimization, Molecular diagnostics, Proteomics, Receptor, Signaling, Target discovery

Research Group:
Lymphocytes and Inflammation

Zhi Chen
zchen[at]utu.fi

Turku Bioscience Centre and Institute of Biomedicine,
University of Turku

Zhi Chen

Lymphocytes and Inflammation

Autoimmune diseases, Basic research, Cancer, Genomics, Immunology, In Vitro Diagnostics, Inflammation, Next-generation sequencing, Proteomics, Screening, Target discovery