RBVI Overview

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The Resource for Biocomputing, Visualization, and Informatics (RBVI) is an NIH National Center for Research Resources Biomedical Technology Resource Center. We develop software and advanced web-based resources for the integrated visualization and analysis of molecular structure at scales ranging from atomic to supramolecular. Our objective is to create methods and tools for handling the diverse types of data associated with these structures and their broader contexts, and then apply these tools to the study of structure-function relationships to reveal the molecular mechanisms of biological processes. Our primary efforts are in visualization and analysis of protein structure at multiple scales, protein interaction and similarity networks, and defining principles by which enzyme structure mediates catalytic function. Our aims are to advance the understanding of the molecular basis of disease and phenotypic variation, annotate proteins of unknown function, identify targets for drug development, more effectively design drugs, and engineer proteins with new functions.
Our Center distributes software tools, including the popular UCSF Chimera visualization and analysis package, develops and hosts the Structure-Function Linkage Database, and provides access to state-of-the-art resources in support of research projects in these areas. Our Center's history dates back to the earliest application of molecular graphics.
Our Center is organized around five key activities:

Core research and development
Collaborative research projects
Development and access to visualization resources
Outreach and training (workshops, meeting schedules, etc.)
Dissemination and technology transfer

RBVI staff have formal training ranging from pharmaceutical chemistry to computer science and software engineering, and our Advisory Committee provides advice on research direction and priorities. For additional information, please contact Thomas Ferrin, RBVI Director, at tef [at] cgl.ucsf.edu.