Molecular Biology Information Service

The HSLS Molecular Biology Information Service has a mission: providing bioinformatics resources via software procurement, implementation, and training to assist biomedical scientists with solving their research questions. Also referred to as “HSLS MolBio,” our service has supported Pitt researchers since 2002.

HSLS MolBio follows a four-facet approach:

  1. Identify, procure, and implement commercially licensed bioinformatics software. Free software access is provided to eligible Pitt affiliates.
  2. Teach hands-on workshops spanning a wide array of topics, notably in contemporary bioinformatics, such as bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq data analysis, pathway enrichment analysis, and gene expression visualization. Use HSLS-licensed software featuring a user-friendly graphical interface, eliminating the need for prior programming experience. Furthermore, introduce participants to the R programming language, emphasizing data wrangling, visualization, and population-based health and genomics data analysis through the All of Us Researcher Workbench.
  3. Provide one-on-one consultations on software/databases.
  4. Maintain a web portal providing overall guidance on accessing and using bioinformatics resources and HSLS MolBio-created web tools.

The web tools we’ve developed include:

  • Search.bioPreprint: A search engine for preprints, providing cutting-edge, yet-to-be-published, and yet-to-be-peer-reviewed biomedical research articles retrieved from Europe PMC, with results refined via topic clustering.
  • Search.Databases/Tools: A search engine for finding molecular biology databases and software tools with a combined search of the HSLS Online Bioinformatics Resource Collection (OBRC), Nucleic Acids Research Database/Web Server Issues, and a filtered PubMed search.
  • Search.Protocols: A search engine for finding experimental methods and protocols with a combined search of Springer Nature Experiments, Protocols.io, and a filtered Europe PMC search.
  • InfoBoosters: A one-click browser widget that integrates digital text with databases to retrieve relevant information on demand.

Ansuman Chattopadhyay, Ph.D. in Biochemistry, leads the HSLS MolBio team. Sri Chaparala, Master’s in Applied Biotechnology, provides consultations and training on next-gen sequencing analysis and other bioinformatics resources. Alexis Cenname, Master’s in Biostatistics, provides expertise through consultations and training, focusing on R scriptwriting and projects using the All of Us Researcher Workbench.

To keep current with HSLS MolBio offerings, subscribe to receive HSLS MolBio emails from our blog, What’s New @ HSLS MolBio. We look forward to working with you!

You can read more about HSLS MolBio services in our publications:

~Ansuman Chattopadhyay