Regulatory dynamics of human brain maturation and new tools to edit the epigenome
Speaker: Professor Ryan Lister
Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research
Perth
Title: Regulatory dynamics of human brain maturation and new tools to edit the epigenome
Abstract: Human brain development is underpinned by molecular, cellular, and structural reconfigurations that continue into the third decade of life. However, the transcriptional states of the diverse neural cell types, how they change throughout brain development, and the governing regulatory factors has remained poorly understood. To better understand this, we conducted deep characterisation of the gene expression and chromatin dynamics of the human prefrontal cortex at single cell resolution from gestation to adulthood. Through this, we have characterized the dynamic regulatory landscape of human prefrontal cortex development, providing new insights into normal processes, neurological diseases, and the current state of organoid models. While this provides new understanding of the natural genome regulatory processes governing cell identity and developmental dynamics, there is also a need for improved molecular tools to precisely manipulate these processes. To this end, we are screening human chromatin regulators for their ability to precisely alter transcription at desired endogenous loci, providing new tools for editing the epigenome to alter gene expression and cell function.
About Neuroscience Seminars
Neuroscience seminars at the QBI play a major role in the advancement of neuroscience in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary goal of these seminars is to promote excellence in neuroscience through the exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and augmenting partnerships already in place.
Seminars in the QBI Auditorium on Level 7 are held on Wednesdays at 12-1pm, which are sometimes simulcast on Zoom (with approval from the speaker). We also occassionally hold seminars from international speakers via Zoom. The days and times of these seminars will vary depending on the time zone of the speaker. Please see each seminar listed below for details.
