The X Factor: Unveiling the Secrets of the X-Chromosome with Data-Driven 3D Modeling - Anna Lappala

Anna Lappala, PhD - Harvard University
To advance our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of sex-specific diseases, a deeper exploration of the X-chromosome structure and function is essential. In this talk, Dr. Lappala delves into how data-driven 3D modeling techniques have provided novel insights into the X-chromosome organization and its role in health and disease. The presentation covers the differences in chromosomal behavior between normal and compromised states, shedding light on the mechanisms of diseases linked to the X-chromosome. We will also discuss how this approach reveals variations in gene expression and regulation, offering potential pathways for targeted therapies. Significantly, the talk highlights how these modeling techniques, originally focused on the X-chromosome, are now being expanded to encompass entire genomes. This research initiative integrates advanced concepts from graph theory and soft matter physics to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of chromosome dynamics. By integrating these diverse fields, Dr. Lappala's research aims to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay among genetic components, making a substantial contribution to the fields of personalized medicine and genetic research.
The Monthly Seminar on Physical Genomics is a public lecture series sponsored by the Center for Physical Genomics at Northwestern University, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, and NIH Grants T32GM142604 and U54CA268084. CPGE's archive of public seminars, lectures and workshops can be found at: physicalgenomics.northwestern...