Nathan Skene

This project will involve the use single cell epigenetics to address key questions about the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. In a series of recent publications in Nature Genetics, the lab has demonstrated that single cell RNA-seq data from mice can be used to identify the cell types associated with genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disease. To perform this mapping, we use GWAS summary statistics generated by our collaborators at a variety of international consortia and personal genomics companies. Identification of cell types genetically implicated in disease, enables better drug targeting efforts as it is free from the confounds associated with neuropathology and mouse modelling. Critical questions remain open about the etiologically relevant cell types and the regulatory effects of disease loci within those cells. We are looking to establish the use of single cell epigenetic techniques, such as ATAC-seq and CUT&TAG, as this will enhance our ability to map intergenic loci to cell type specific features. This project will involve working with human tissue brain banks, to apply these methods to targeted populations of cells.

If you are interested in this position, then please email Dr Nathan Skene directly to discuss