OMICs Approaches for Antiviral Research: Training for Biomedical Innovation
Omics is a rapidly developing scientific and technological field, capable of providing an increasingly advanced and comprehensive view of a cell’s genetic information (genomics), its expression capacity (epigenomics), and the set of RNA (transcriptomics), proteins (proteomics), lipids (lipidomics), and metabolic processes (metabolomics) through which this information is manifested, enabling a comprehensive understanding of its alteration in various pathological contexts.
Specifically, in application to antiviral research, genomics and transcriptomics allow monitoring the activation or repression of host genes during infection; proteomics provides information on viral proteins expressed and on the alterations in cellular protein pathways induced by infection; lipidomics analyzes the composition, structure, function, and variations of lipids in response to infectious processes; while metabolomics provides critical data on changes in cellular metabolism, often exploited by viruses for their own replication, influencing the immune response and the progression of the infection.
This set of systems approaches, which allow for the comprehensive analysis of biological components and their regulatory mechanisms, represents a strategic lever for innovation in antiviral research. Their integrated application enables a deep and multidimensional understanding of the interaction between virus and host, which is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and cellular defense. This enables the construction of predictive models, the identification of diagnostic biomarkers, and the discovery of new therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the omics approach fosters the development of personalized medicine strategies, tailoring therapies to the specific molecular characteristics of the patient and the virus.
In a global context marked by emerging and re-emerging viral threats, omics sciences therefore represent a crucial opportunity to accelerate the discovery of antivirals, improve genomic surveillance strategies, and strengthen the capacity for rapid response to new pandemics.
The proposed training program will be aimed at young researchers—both university graduates and those employed in biomedical companies—who wish to explore the potential of omics sciences applied to antiviral research, and specifically:
The application of individual omics sciences (transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics) to the study of viral infections, to understand the information to consider in experimental design, the technical and scientific conduct of experiments, and the technological and bioinformatic principles underlying data collection and analysis. And to promote the development of regional and interregional biobanking networks connected with hospitals, IRCCS (National Institutes of Health), and research centers.
The integration of biobanks into the regional technological and healthcare development strategy, including in the context of the National Research Council (NRRP), with positive impacts on public health and the economy of the Calabria Region. The bioinformatic interpretation of the data obtained and their integration, aimed at identifying viral proteins and cellular processes relevant to antiviral development.
OMAVIR is part of ACT4TRAIN, the advanced training line of the ACT4 project, an initiative involving fifteen partners within the INF-ACT network. Within this framework, ACT4TRAIN promotes high-level theoretical and practical training for researchers and professionals in the biomedical field, with a focus on emerging health technologies and advanced diagnostic approaches. Building on expertise developed through research on emerging viral infections, antimicrobial resistance, and zoonoses, the project integrates advanced competences in omics sciences, cellular imaging, immunology, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence.
OMAVIR contributes to this mission by offering specialized training on the application of omics approaches to antiviral research and biomedical innovation.