Bioinformatic tools open up world of viruses
Bioinformatic tools are used by scientists to compare, analyse and interpret genetic and genomic data. The EU-funded VIROINF project was launched to better integrate such tools with experimental virus research. “Understanding virus-host interactions is an area that is critical for virology, but there has been a lack of practical, usable tools for this,” explains VIROINF project coordinator Manja Marz from Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany. “Addressing this could improve our ability to study and predict how viruses evolve and interact. By bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical, experimental applications, we can enhance our overall understanding of viral dynamics and improve scientific outcomes.”
Modelling virus-host interactions and virus evolution
The core of the VIROINF project, which was supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, focused on modelling virus-host interactions and virus evolution in hosts. This involved both theory and experimental research, with early-stage researchers (ESRs) working on specific objectives in these areas. “This work yielded significant results, particularly in modelling virus-host interactions and advancing bioinformatic tools,” explains Marz. “For example, substantial progress has been made in developing tools to help us understand virus-host dynamics.” ESRs made significant contributions through generating honeybee gut sequencing data sets, designing a machine learning algorithm to enhance viral genome recovery, and applying tools to improve the accuracy of virus identification. A viral tagging approach in anaerobic environments was also used to successfully identify phage-host pairs associated with disease. Another ESR developed a tool to extract viral protein features relevant to host association. “These collaborative efforts uncovered viral proteins that are crucial for host specificity, furthering our understanding of virus-host relationships,” says Marz. The project has also advanced our understanding of viral evolution. New bioinformatic tools were applied to provide valuable new insights into phage biology and the efficiency of viral infections. “These combined efforts in bioinformatics, experimental validation and therapeutic exploration could have important implications for both academic research and practical applications in viral therapy,” notes Marz.
Skilled workforce in bioinformatics and virology
The training element of the VIROINF project was a crucial element in building a skilled workforce in both bioinformatics and virology. “This component provided ESRs with the necessary expertise to contribute effectively to the research objectives,” adds Marz. “Practical skills in modelling virus-host interactions and virus evolution were developed, and a collaborative research community fostered.” Through this training, ESRs were also able to exchange ideas across disciplines. This, Marz believes, will be essential for the future success of the field. “Intensive discussions at various meetings highlighted the importance of this collaborative approach,” she adds.
Effective research into virus-host interactions
Next steps for the VIROINF project include building on the successful development of new bioinformatic tools and models of virus-host interactions. The project team hopes to eventually integrate these strategies into laboratory and market applications, by continuing to refine the tools and models for practical use in viral research. “The community of researchers involved in the project will also continue to collaborate, ensuring that knowledge exchange continues to thrive,” remarks Marz. Over the long term, this work is expected to lead to the establishment of an integrated framework where bioinformatics and experimental virology are more closely aligned. “This will be foundational for future viral research, improving our understanding of virus evolution and behaviour,” says Marz.
Keywords
VIROINF, bioinformatics, viruses, diagnostics, virology, biology
