Athanasios Zovoilis
Director
athanasios.zovoilis@umanitoba.ca
Services
Applications
Data types
We offer specialized support in various areas of genomics and bioinformatics to help you generate and analyze high-quality data.
Below are the key data types we work with:
(Epi)-genomics
We specialize in a variety of genomic sequencing methods to explore DNA and its modifications:
- Whole genome sequencing (Illumina)
- Long-read whole genome sequencing (Nanopore) – Provides enhanced genomic assemblies and structural variation identification
- Direct DNA sequencing – Ideal for analyzing DNA methylation and other DNA modifications
- ChIP sequencing – Focuses on transcription factors and chromatin modifications
- Customized approaches – Tailored solutions for your specific research needs
(Epi)-transcriptomics
We offer comprehensive RNA sequencing methods to study gene expression and RNA modifications:
- RNA sequencing (Illumina)
- Long-read RNA sequencing (Nanopore) – Provides better resolution for identifying isoforms
- Direct RNA sequencing – Used to study RNA modifications directly
- Special classes of RNAs – Includes small RNAs, non-coding RNAs, short RNAs, and others
- RIP sequencing – For studying RNA-protein interactions
- Customized approaches – Solutions customized to your research goals
Single-cell omics
We provide single-cell analysis to uncover cellular heterogeneity:
- Single-cell transcriptomics (10X)
- Customized approaches – Tailored single-cell analyses for your specific needs
For custom analysis approaches or further information, please contact us.
Bioinformatics
We offer a range of bioinformatics services to help you integrate, visualize, and analyze complex data.
Below are the key services we provide:
Data integration
- Cross-platform/species/studies genomic data integration
- Multi-omics integration
- Multi-modal integration (e.g., medical imaging + omics data)
Data visualization
- Standard visuals (e.g., graphs, charts, tables, etc.)
- Complex, custom-made visuals (e.g., Circos plot, network map, etc.)
Data mining
- Differential genomic features (gene, miRNA, CpG, etc.) analysis
- Pathway and network analysis
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning (e.g., clustering, multi-dimensional scaling, classifiers)
For customized bioinformatics services, please contact us.
Statistical genomics
We help you design robust studies tailored to your research needs. Our services cover a variety of study designs, including:
- Family-based and population-based case-control studies
- Analysis of discrete or quantitative traits
- Addressing population stratification to ensure reliable results
- Exploring haplotype associations in both related and unrelated individuals
- Genotype imputation to enhance study accuracy
Quality control
Ensuring the integrity of your data is critical. We provide comprehensive quality control services, including:
- Analysis of missing data and minor allele frequency
- Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testing to assess genetic consistency
- Evaluating population stratification to minimize bias
Genetic linkage mapping studies
Our expertise in genetic linkage mapping enables us to uncover important genetic markers associated with traits. We offer:
- Homozygosity mapping to identify shared genetic regions
- Assessment of covariate effects on linkage signals to refine your findings
Association studies
We support a range of association studies to help you identify genetic variants tied to specific traits or diseases, including:
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to explore genetic influences
- Rare variant studies using whole-genome or exome sequencing data
- Copy number variation analysis to detect structural variations
- Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) and expression/splicing quantitative trait locus (e/sQTL) mapping to uncover gene expression links
- Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) and methylation quantitative trait locus (mQTL) mapping to explore epigenetic influences
Causal variant discovery
Understanding the functional role of genetic variants is essential for advancing scientific knowledge. We offer:
- Variant annotation to interpret genetic findings
- Prioritization of variants, genes, and loci based on their potential impact
- Mendelian randomization studies to assess causal relationships
- Polygenic risk score analysis and its potential clinical applications
For more information or to discuss how we can support your research, please contact us.
Grant application support services
We’re here to support you in creating strong, competitive grant applications. Our team provides expert guidance in statistical genomics and bioinformatics to help you at every stage of the process. Whether you need assistance developing a study design, calculating sample sizes, creating data management and analysis plans, or preparing cost analyses, we can help. We also offer support in drafting letters of recommendation to strengthen your proposal.
For more information on the services we provide and our pricing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to working with you and helping you secure the funding you need for your research.
Education and training
We are committed to offering valuable training opportunities to students and faculty at the University of Manitoba by utilizing existing resources and developing new learning materials.
In partnership with Canadian Bioinformatics Workshops, we are also a regional hub for the recently awarded CIHR CB2 training grant in bioinformatics and computational biology.
As this initiative expands, we will continue to add resources to this section for those interested in accessing them.
Pricing
We offer a range of consultation and project pricing options designed to support both University of Manitoba researchers and industry partners. Below is an overview of our services and pricing structure:
Item | Description | University of Manitoba | Industry |
---|---|---|---|
Walk-in consultations | We are available for up to one hour per project to discuss any statistical genomics and/or bioinformatics questions. | Free | Free |
Hourly projects | Research projects with well-defined objectives, such as data analysis, developing pipelines, or scripting tasks. | $70/hour | $110/hour |
Long-term projects | For projects requiring ongoing involvement and expertise from the platform’s team over an extended period. | $2,000/week | $3,000/week |
If you would like to discuss a specific project or need more information, please feel free to contact us.
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Contact us
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Eric Merzetti
Research associate
eric.merzetti@umanitoba.ca
Statistical Genomics and Bioinformatics Platform
Computational Biology Laboratory (Room 308)
745 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2 Canada