Bioinformatics

Director

Arnaud Droit, Ph.D.

Bioinformatics

2705 boul. Laurier, local R-4773
Québec, Québec
Canada G1V 4G2

+1 418-525-4444, ext. 46411 +1 418-654-2298 (fax)

arnaud.droit@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Since the early 2000s, bioinformatics has been an essential pillar within the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center. In 2001, the bioinformatics team made its mark by actively participating in large-scale genotyping projects, notably the ATLAS project. This project utilized “omic” datasets to map genes affected by steroid hormones.

The year 2011 marked a key milestone with the recruitment of Professor Droit, tasked with implementing a bioinformatics services platform and forming a specialized research group in computational biology. In 2012, with financial support from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, this platform became fully operational.

Today, the bioinformatics service consists of four bioinformaticians and benefits from state-of-the-art infrastructure, including dedicated servers for computation and storage, tailored to large-scale omics analysis projects. This service provides vital support to advanced omics technologies used at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, as well as projects stemming from these technologies.

Team Services Equipment

Team

Professor Arnaud Droit, from the Department of Molecular Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of Université Laval, leads the bioinformatics service at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center. Holding the L’Oréal Research and Innovation Chair in Digital Biology, he leads numerous development projects on the analysis of data derived from omics technologies (genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, etc.) and on machine learning on biological data.

Specialized in Linux/Unix server park administration, Alban is the system administrator, technological architect, and information security officer in charge of the hardware infrastructure and networking of the bioinformatics service.

Email: alban.chataigner@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca
Office: R-5711

Trained as a bioinformatician, Charles specializes in the valorization of genomic data produced through next-generation sequencing technologies. In addition to analyzing and overseeing the analyses conducted by the platform, he is also involved in the software development of tools used for data processing, including analysis pipelines and R libraries.

Email: charles.joly-beauparlant@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca 
Office: R-5711

Emeric is responsible for bioinformatics support for the next-generation sequencing platform. He is involved in the development and maintenance of the platform’s tools.

Email: emeric.texeraud@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca
Office: R-5711

Services

The bioinformatics platform offers advanced omics data analysis services, covering areas such as transcriptomics, genomics, metagenomics, and proteomics. It distinguishes itself with deep expertise in designing customized omics studies. To carry out these services, it relies on state-of-the-art computing and storage equipment, managed by a dedicated full-time system administrator.

The platform specializes in conducting routine analyses that ensure consistent and reliable quality. It also tailors its services to meet specific needs, offering highly personalized services.

Additionally, it provides essential support to other units within the CHU de Québec, including specialized platforms in proteomics, next-generation sequencing, and Sanger method.

The platform’s services are accessible to researchers in Quebec and Canada, as well as to private companies, both nationally and internationally. It ensures comprehensive project support, from the design phase to the interpretation of final results. Collaboration is strongly encouraged while respecting the strict confidentiality requirements of certain projects.

Equipment

The bioinformatics service benefits from a robust IT infrastructure, relying on local resources as well as the resources provided by the Canadian Research Alliance. At the heart of the research center, a series of specialized servers are exclusively dedicated to the computational, administrative, and storage operations required for the platform’s services and associated research activities.

The platform is also connected to the cloud services of the Alliance, enabling it to handle high-intensity calculations and meet complex archiving requirements. This interconnection enhances the platform’s ability to support large-scale projects while ensuring security and efficiency in data management.

Bioinformatics

Director

Bioinformatics

Team

Arnaud Droit (director)

Alban Châtaigner

Charles Joly-Beauparlant

Emeric Texeraud

Services

Equipment