New NNF Data Science Investigator at BIO

The Novo Nordisk Foundation supports highly promising starting group leaders in data science and computational science with the 'Data Science Emerging Investigator' grant. 

Sarah Rennie has received approx. DKK 11 million for the project: "Probabilistic modeling approaches for deciphering post-transcriptional gene regulation".

What is the project about? 

The correct regulation of gene expression is fundamental for ensuring normal cellular function, development, and response to stress. Whilst the rate of mRNA synthesis is controlled by transcription, the fate of the resulting molecules is strongly influenced post-transcriptionally, in particular via covalent modifications and interactions with RNA-binding proteins. These RNA modifications regulate every stage of the mRNA life cycle, and important links between their dysregulation and human disease are continuously being uncovered. Recent technological advances capable of mapping RNA modifications transcriptome-wide are now supplying large quantities of data in the field. However, there is an urgent need for powerful computational methods for fully utilising the resulting datasets.

In this project, we aim to develop efficient and highly interpretable probabilistic modelling frameworks for the analysis of RNA modifications. First, we will model modification read-outs hierarchically from single-cell RNA sequencing datasets. These models can account for a range of technical biases, including sparsity, to enable novel, high-resolution insights into cellular dynamics. Second, we will develop probabilistic deep learning approaches to decipher the sequence-encoded determinants of observed modification patterns, and validate predicted perturbation effects using CRISPR editing strategies. Furthermore, given the limited research into the role of RNA modifications in neurological disorders, we will apply each of our developed methods in the context of Parkinson’s disease. This project will contribute significantly to Danish research by boosting data science capabilities for RNA biology, whilst also offering new insights into neurological disease.

A huge congratulation to Sarah on the grant!