Methods and Applications of Circadian Analysis in Unordered Single-Cell Data

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

12:00 PM-2:00 PM

BIOMED PhD Research Proposal

Title:
Methods and Applications of Circadian Analysis in Unordered Single-Cell Data

Speaker:
Henry Hollis, PhD Candidate
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University

Advisors:
Ron Anafi, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Penn Institute for Biomedical Informatics
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania

Andres Kriete, PhD
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Teaching Professor
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University

Details:
In our daily lives, many biological processes fluctuate in rhythm, from our sleep cycles to cellular activities. However, much of modern omics research, which looks at genes, proteins, and metabolites, often overlooks these dynamic changes. My research explores how these rhythmic patterns, particularly circadian rhythms, are altered in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Using single-cell RNA-Seq data from the Religious Order Study/Memory and Aging Project (ROS/MAP), I focus on uncovering rhythmic gene and metabolite expressions across different brain cell types, such as neurons and glia. By examining the differences in these rhythms between healthy individuals and AD patients, I aim to shed light on how Alzheimer's alters these biological rhythms.

Additionally, I am developing new computational tools that better account for rhythmicity in single-cell data. This will improve how we identify distinct cell types and subpopulations, a task often complicated by the influence of circadian rhythms or the cell cycle. These tools could enhance the accuracy of cell clustering and provide novel insights into cell-type variation in Alzheimer's and other diseases.

Contact Information

Natalia Broz
njb33@drexel.edu