Bioinformatics and the Future of Medicine: An Opportunity for the State of Minnesota?

Dr. Jean-Pierre Kocher

The completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) marked the beginning of a new era in clinical research. The HGP spearheaded the development of high-throughput experimental technologies which measure molecular characteristics, including genomic variations and gene expression levels.  Integration of this molecular data with existing clinical data is leading to the discovery of new disease biomarkers.  As these markers are validated and translated into clinical practice, clinicians will have access to an unprecedented number of new assays to screen patients for pathological conditions, optimize disease treatment, and begin a new era of personalized medical care.

Bioinformatics is playing a key role in this paradigm shift. Expertise is needed to integrate genomics datasets of increasing size and complexity. In addition, bioinformaticians are critical members of multi-disciplinary teams which are developing methods to convert the raw molecular data into biologically relevant and interpretable information indicative of disease state. To fully capitalize on current and future opportunities, collaborations between multiple academics centers and industrial partners are going to be essential. This need has been recognized by the State of Minnesota and is reflected in its promotion and funding of initiatives like the BICB program and the Minnesota Partnership. These efforts are establishing scientific networks that can serve as foundations to foster future collaborations. 

I will share with the audience my vision on the role that bioinformatics will play in the future of medicine. I will also discuss how state-supported initiatives can promote innovation and business development impacting the Southeast Corridor and potentially the entire State of Minnesota. 

Dr. Kocher joined Mayo Clinic in October 2005 to develop and direct the activities of the newly created Bioinformatics Core. In 2008, he became Chair of the Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics (BSI) that regrouped experts in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Medical Informatics and Computer Science. BSI's activities include the analysis of clinical and genomics data and support to clinical trials and the division is actively engaged in the development of the infrastructure to manage clinical and genomics data. In addition, the division maintains an active research program in support of the development of statistical, bioinformatics and informatics methodologies.

Dr. Kocher's scientific interest focuses on the development and application of computational methods to advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms that underlie clinical disorders.