Work Package 3 (WP3)

     The main objective of this WP is to strengthen collaboration based training of specialists in areas of multi-omics approaches, bioinformatics and modelling to increase excellence implementing cutting edge multi-omics technologies in such areas as genomics, DNA methylome and transcriptome, microbiome and metabolome analysis, covering:

1. Creation of a network of excellence together with project partners in the field of metabolic disease studies.
2. Implementation of innovative approaches for omics-data analysis and improve the knowledge about massive data interpretation in a biologically relevant context.

     The activities are based on the knowledge transfer about different approaches for translation of high throughput datasets into a better understanding of biological phenomena, improving the insight of biological processes underlying metabolic disease development and progression. Five short-term stuff exchange visits and two Summer schools will be assigned for the management of integrated data issued from clinical trials and omics-based studies followed by introduction of algorithms for the analysis of various data types. The short-term exchange visits will involve such topics as DNA and histone methylation analysis, advancements in Next generation sequencing data analysis, machine learning in studies of metabolic diseases, data employment and compatible integrative approaches and data integration from various sequencing platforms. In addition, two Summer schools will be conducted in LBMC, covering wet lab for multi-omics methods and basic bioinformatics as well as advanced bioinformatic approaches for analysing multi-omics data organized by representatives of all partner institutions. The main activity within the WP3 is the organization of an international conference ‘Integrative approach in metabolic disorder studies’ in Riga, gathering together partners and other experienced scientists from Baltic states. Before the conference pre-conference workshop will be conducted for young researchers to improve the quality of their scientific reports and train presentation skills.

The main tasks of the WP3 are the following:

• Developing excellence in the approaches of integrative systems biology based on multi-omics data obtained from metabolic disorder models (by exploiting the resources created in clinical studies and maintained by biobank) (systems biology – microbiome, genetics, methylation, RNA etc).
• Increase in know-how base for integrative bioinformatic approaches, development of practical SOP.
• Establishment of long-lasting research collaborations with project partners beyond the scope of the specific project and expanding the knowledge within the Baltic region.