In an era of big data, many biological problems can be resolved through computational analysis and bioinformatics. These disciplines analyze large biological datasets using computer science, statistics and mathematical modeling to understand biological systems and relationships. Research in my laboratory is focused on adapting computational analysis and bioinformatics to biological problems while also relying on traditional experiments to validate bioinformatics-based predictions. We are employing big data analytics, genomics and cell biology to understand the comprehensive biological mechanisms underlying gene regulation in human aging, and how dysregulation of gene expression is associated with reduced lifespan and age-related disease. In particular, my laboratory is focused on the study of progeria, or Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a rare, fatal genetic condition characterized by accelerated aging in children. The name, which is derived from the Greek, means “prematurely old.” The aim of my research is to gain new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying aging with the ultimate goal of developing therapeutics to extend healthy human lifespan and slow the onset of age-related degenerative diseases.
MDI Biological Lab President Kevin Strange Awarded $12M Grant
Mainebiz · July 2, 2018
MDI Biological Laboratory President Kevin Strange Awarded $12 Million NIH Grant
Press Release · June 28, 2018
Scientist Focuses on Accelerated Aging in Children
Mount Desert Islander · December 9, 2017
Sam Beck, Ph.D., Joins MDI Biological Laboratory Faculty in Computational Biology
Press Release · September 7, 2017
Dr. Beck investigates the mechanism of gene regulation at the transcription level, using integrative Big Data Analysis and experimental validations. The lab aims to understand the comprehensive biological mechanisms underlying gene regulation at the transcription level. Undergraduate research fellows in Dr. Beck’s lab will perform the meta-analysis of various Next Generation Sequence data generated by RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Bis-seq, Hi-C, and ChIA-PET techniques. They will also participate in experiments to detect and visualize the exact location of the specific gene locus within the nucleus.