Concepts Of Bioinformatics And Its Application In Veterinary Research And Vaccines Development

Abstract

Bioinformatics is the science of managing and analyzing biological information. Because of the rapidly growing sequence biological data, bioinformatics tools and algorithms have been developed. Using bioinformatics algorithms such as BLAST (basic local alignment sequence tool), FASTA and Clustal W solutions for sequence search and analysis, in combination with other techniques constitute a time saving and cost-effective way to obtain important data on gene and protein levels information not easily obtainable by other techniques. Bioinformatics has advanced the course of research and future veterinary vaccines development because it has provided new tools for identification of vaccine targets from sequenced biological data of organisms. In Nigeria, there is lack of bioinformatics training in the universities, expect for short training courses in which few people are train, to use such knowledge for their research work only. In order to rapidly move research and development in Nigeria in 21st century and beyond, bioinformatics training in Nigerian Universities is required. Given appropriate research and computer infrastructure, researchers and scientists in Nigeria may have relatively easy access to the products of bioinformatics. However, the future use of this technology hinges on the availability of bioinformatics knowledge in the public domain. This paper highlights on some tools use in bioinformatics and their application in research and development.

Keywords: Bioinformatics, Veterinary research, Vaccines, BLAST, FASTA, Clustal W

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 28 (2) 2007 pp. 39-46