Computational infrastructure constitutes the main core for the analysis of large-scale biodata at INAB. It operates as a horizontal support structure for all sectors of the Institute. Its main role is the processing and storage of large scale clinical and sequencing data, metabolomics, population study data and biological process analysis and modelling. The main computational infrastructure is based on a high-performance computer cluster and high availability storage areas, with rights of access for all bioscientists of Greece and the broader international scientific community.
The sequencing facility of INAB engages in studies and diagnostic services based on the following methodological approaches: (i) whole genome sequencing, (ii) whole exome sequencing, (iii) transcriptome sequencing, (iv) single-cell RNA sequencing, (v) targeted NGS sequencing and (vi) metagenomics. It plays an active role in the development and application of new protocols. The sequencing facility is connected to the computational infrastructure in order to ensure ease of access for all laboratories and external partners.
INAB has modern biochemical & metabolic analysis facilities [high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD), gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), UV-VIS and split beam photometers, fluorescence, chemiluminescence and UV-VIS microplate readers that support its activities and research sectors.
The Microscopy & Imaging Facility is utilized for the observation of cultures of cell lines and primary cells from patients and healthy donors. It consists of inverted and fluorescence microscopes and a benchtop ZOE Cell Imager for the capturing, storage and synthesis of multicolor images.
The experimental plant growth facility at INAB is an essential tool that connects primary basic research and large-scale molecular data with applied field research. The facility includes plant growth chambers and is involved in studying the growth of plants, seed germination, plant acclimatization to biotic and abiotic stresses, plant cell and tissue development, genetic modifications of plants, and cytoplasm and cell cultures.
INAB carries out a systematic collection of biological samples from patients and healthy donors, according to established international best practices and the relevant Greek and European legislation. It is also involved in the standardization of procedures for the recording, processing, storage and use of samples. INAB’s biobank comprises a node in BBMRI-ERIC (Biobanking and BioMolecular Research Initiative – European Research Infrastructure Consortium).
Seeds: The seed biobank of INAB collects and preserves seeds from both wild and cultivated species and varieties, which form a valuable gene pool for the study and improvement of species and varieties. Microbes: The microbe biobank collects and preserves microbial communities and isolated microorganisms of economic interest from all fields of activity in the agri-food sector. It also contains new and improved microorganisms that are the result of selection and evolution programs.
The cellular analysis facility focuses on flow cytometry and cell sorting applications. The facility also includes a metabolic analysis equipment which can be used to monitor the metabolic activity of pathological and healthy cells under various conditions.
