Yiolanda Christou

The Bioinformatics Group has been recently established at CING headed by the Bioinformatics ERA Chair. Its research is focusing on Computational Diagnostics and Therapeutics inside the fields of Systems Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics. The Group exploits network-based bioinformatics methodologies along the axis of translational research to develop tailor-made applications of computer aided diagnosis and risk estimation regarding diseases of interest at CING. Also, the Group utilizes any kind of biomedical data available (from omics to imaging and other clinical data) to reconstruct and analyze multi-layered networks towards integromics and personalized medicine. Among the major Group’s research interests are the following: Network Analysis and networked biomarker discovery, Machine learning for computer aided diagnosis, Modeling and Simulation of Complex Biological Networks, Multi source and multilayer analysis towards precision medicine, In silico drug discovery and drug repurposing, Post-omic analysis and knowledge extraction, e-Health, m-Health and Assistive technologies informatics.

The Neurogenetics Department occupies dedicated spaces of 100m2 for offices and laboratories. Furthermore, the Neurogenetics Department has access to core molecular genetics laboratory space and equipment that includes a NextSeq500, an AB 3130XL automatic analyzer, an ABI 7900 Real time PCR machine and a fully equipped tissue culture room.

The laboratory facilities of the Electron Microscopy/Molecular Pathology include; Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) (Veritas LCC1704), confocal microscope, ZEISS brightfield and fluorescent microscope, Automated DNA sequencer – (ABI PRISM 310), dHPLC DNA fragment analysis (Transgenomics), Fast Real-time PCR system (ABI 7900 HT), genetic analysers 3130XL x3, Beckman analyzers x3, PCR Thermal Cyclers, Centrifuges (some with temperature control), SDS-PAGE & Western blotting Equipment, Dedicated Tissue culture Facility (with laminar flow hood and incubator) and Chemical hoods. In addition, the department hosts a newly established proteomics facility which consists of liquid chromatography systems (Waters nanoAcquity UPLC with 2D and Waters Acquity I-Class), a triple Quad MS system (Waters Xavo TQD) and a high resolution ion mobility mass spectrometry system (Waters Synapt G2Si) as well as an isoelectric focusing (IEF) system (Agilent 3100 OFFGEL fractionator).

Clinical facilities include, in addition to the Outpatient Department, and the Neurology Ward, a laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology and the laboratory of Neuropathology. The Transgenic Mouse Facility (TMF) is a core facility of the CING and is located in the basement of the CING building. The 5 CING Neurology Clinics are: Neurology Clinic A is predominantly involved with the clinical and laboratory evaluation (muscle and nerve biopsies) of patients with an emphasis on neuromuscular disorders such as, myopathies, motor neuron disease and neuropathies. The Clinic also has an interest in multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative and neurogenetic disorders. Since 2002, a Familial Amyloidosis neuropathy clinic takes place once a month where a multidisciplinary service is offered. Neurology Clinic B provides tertiary medical care to patients with neurological disorders and other neurogenetic and genetic illnesses (epilepsy, sleep disorders, movement disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders as well as behavioral problems that result from brain disease) that require specialized diagnosis and treatment. Neurology Clinic C is a Neurovascular laboratory which offers services in the field of Neurosonology. Colour coded duplex-doppler studies of the extracranial carotid arteries, the extracranial vertebral arteries and the intracranial arteries (both the anterior and the posterior circulations) are performed on a regular service basis. Neurology Clinic D is the Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory which specializes in electrodiagnostic examinations that evaluate, monitor, diagnose, and exclude disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Unlike imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), electrophysiological measures from peripheral nerves and/or muscles bestow information about their function. As electrodiagnostic studies are an extension of the patient’s clinical history and physical examination, each test session is designed and interpreted in parallel with that information. Consequently, our team is able to provide high-level patient care and diagnostic support to referring physicians and patients. Neurology Clinic E provides tertiary medical care to patients with various neurological disorders, focusing on neuromuscular (myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathies and myopathies, motor neuron disease), neurogenetic and other degenerative, autoimmune and demyelinating disorders of the peripheral and central nervous system. The Clinic also participates in the provision of specialized electrodiagnostic services (electromyography and nerve conduction studies) in the EMG lab. Clinic E includes the Neuroscience Laboratory mainly involved in translational neurological research, as well as the CING Mouse Facility, which serves as national core faciltiy providing services to researchers from CING and other institutions.