Microfluidic epigenomic technologies and insights into brain neuroscience

Description:
Epigenome dictates turning on and off genes, forming another layer of regulation on top of gene sequence. Epigenome is cell-type-specific and highly dynamic over the course of development and disease thus offers a treasure trove of information for deciphering critical molecular processes. In this talk, I will discuss the role of microfluidics in conducting low-input and single-cell epigenomic analysis using scarce tissue samples derived from mice and humans. I will emphasize on using these tools to generate insights into brain neuroscience involved in mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.

Speaker: Chang Lu - Virginia Tech
Dr. Chang Lu is the Fred W. Bull professor of chemical engineering at Virginia Tech. His lab develops low-input and single-cell microfluidic genomic technologies and implements them to study brain neuroscience. Dr. Lu received Wallace Coulter Foundation Early Career Award, NSF CAREER Award, and Dean’s award for research excellence among a number of honors. Dr. Lu is a fellow of American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).