Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-26-2020

Keywords

JGM;Biomedical Research, Communication, Computational Biology, High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing, Humans, Research Design

JAX Source

PLoS Comput Biol 2020 Mar 26; 16(3):e1007531

Volume

16

Issue

3

First Page

1007531

Last Page

1007531

ISSN

1553-7358

PMID

32214318

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007531

Abstract

Life scientists are increasingly turning to high-throughput sequencing technologies in their research programs, owing to the enormous potential of these methods. In a parallel manner, the number of core facilities that provide bioinformatics support are also increasing. Notably, the generation of complex large datasets has necessitated the development of bioinformatics support core facilities that aid laboratory scientists with cost-effective and efficient data management, analysis, and interpretation. In this article, we address the challenges-related to communication, good laboratory practice, and data handling-that may be encountered in core support facilities when providing bioinformatics support, drawing on our own experiences working as support bioinformaticians on multidisciplinary research projects. Most importantly, the article proposes a list of guidelines that outline how these challenges can be preemptively avoided and effectively managed to increase the value of outputs to the end user, covering the entire research project lifecycle, including experimental design, data analysis, and management (i.e., sharing and storage). In addition, we highlight the importance of clear and transparent communication, comprehensive preparation, appropriate handling of samples and data using monitoring systems, and the employment of appropriate tools and standard operating procedures to provide effective bioinformatics support.

Download

Share

COinS