Background of the Study
Drug repurposing offers a cost-effective strategy for accelerating the development of therapies for infectious diseases by identifying new uses for existing drugs. In Nigeria, where infectious diseases remain a major public health concern, the application of bioinformatics in drug repurposing holds significant promise. At Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State, researchers are investigating the role of bioinformatics in repurposing drugs for the treatment of various infectious diseases. The study utilizes computational methods such as network pharmacology, molecular docking, and machine learning to analyze drug-target interactions and predict the efficacy of existing drugs against emerging pathogens (Ibrahim, 2023). By integrating genomic and proteomic data with chemical information from drug databases, the system can identify potential drug candidates that may be effective against multiple pathogens. Advanced visualization tools and predictive models are incorporated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drug repurposing landscape. Cloud-based computing resources facilitate the processing of large datasets, enabling real-time updates and rapid screening of compounds (Chukwu, 2024). The interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in bioinformatics, pharmacology, and infectious diseases, ensures that the findings are both scientifically robust and clinically applicable. Ultimately, the research aims to develop a scalable bioinformatics framework that streamlines drug repurposing efforts, thereby reducing the time and cost associated with traditional drug discovery processes and improving treatment outcomes for infectious diseases in Nigeria (Adebayo, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Infectious diseases continue to pose significant health challenges in Nigeria, yet the traditional drug discovery process is often slow and costly. At Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State, conventional approaches to drug development are inadequate for addressing urgent public health needs. The repurposing of existing drugs presents an attractive alternative; however, current methodologies for drug repurposing are fragmented and lack integration with high-throughput genomic and proteomic data (Bello, 2023). Traditional computational tools often fail to capture the complex interactions between drugs and multiple molecular targets, leading to suboptimal predictions and limited clinical utility. Additionally, manual curation and analysis of large-scale datasets are time-consuming and prone to error, which delays the identification of effective therapies. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive bioinformatics framework that automates the drug repurposing process by integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and machine learning techniques. Addressing these issues is critical for enabling rapid and cost-effective identification of drug candidates that can be repurposed for infectious diseases. This study aims to develop such a framework, providing a robust tool that supports evidence-based decision-making and accelerates the translation of genomic insights into clinical applications. The successful implementation of this system will improve drug discovery pipelines, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance patient outcomes by providing timely, effective treatments for infectious diseases (Okafor, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To develop an integrated bioinformatics framework for drug repurposing in infectious diseases.
To incorporate network pharmacology, molecular docking, and machine learning methods into the framework.
To validate the framework’s predictions using genomic and proteomic datasets.
Research Questions
How can bioinformatics be used to repurpose existing drugs for infectious diseases?
What computational methods improve the prediction of drug-target interactions?
How effective is the integrated framework in identifying viable drug candidates?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a comprehensive bioinformatics framework for drug repurposing, potentially reducing the time and cost of developing therapies for infectious diseases. The integrated approach supports rapid identification of effective treatments, improving public health outcomes in Nigeria (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to the computational analysis of drug repurposing for infectious diseases at Federal University, Gusau, focusing on genomic and proteomic data without extending to in vitro validation.
Definitions of Terms
Drug Repurposing: The process of identifying new therapeutic uses for existing drugs.
Network Pharmacology: The study of drug actions and interactions within biological networks.
Molecular Docking: A computational method that predicts the binding orientation of a drug to its target.
Background of the study:
Efficient class scheduling is essential for maintaining academic continuity and optimizing resourc...
Background of the Study
Electricity transmission losses remain a significant challenge in the energy sector globally, pa...
Background of the Study
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, with an increasing...
Background of the study
This study investigates the challenges of multimodal translation in Nigerian Pidgin educational vi...
EXCERPT FROM THE STUDY
While goals offer direction and progression; targets act as a performance indicator tool. Fr...
Background of the Study:
Efficient transportation systems are critical to urban development and economic growth. In Akure S...
Background of the Study
Climate change poses one of the most significant challenges to global food securit...
Background of the Study
Financial risk management is an essential component of the banking industry, involving the ident...
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among pupils in Unity primary school...
Background of the Study
Library design plays a crucial role in shaping the learning experience by influencing how users int...