O Speaker: Prof. Vicky Yao

O Affiliation: Department of Computer Science, Rice University

O Date: April 30, 2025

O Start Time: 4:00 PM

O Abstract: 

The complexity of biological systems and disease phenotypes necessitates computational methods capable of integrating diverse data to derive meaningful insights. Achieving this requires combining data across genetic, cellular, and molecular levels. In this talk, I will present two recently developed computational tools that integrate diverse data types in distinct ways to address these challenges. First, I will discuss seismic, a method that links genetic variation to cellular function by combining genome-wide a

ssociation studies with single-cell RNA sequencing data. Using a novel specificity score, seismic efficiently prioritizes cell type-trait associations while identifying the genes driving these associations. Next, I will discuss Splitpea, a tool that integrates alternative splicing and gene expression with protein-protein interaction networks to characterize dynamic molecular modifications. Applied to TCGA data with normal tissue baselines, Splitpea uncovers patient-specific and cancer-specific interaction changes associated with disease progression. Together, these methods demonstrate how integrating diverse data sources can yield a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying complex disease biology.

* The seminar will be held offline and online [https://kaist.zoom.us/j/86770940131] simultaneously.

* Closed Caption interpretation service (English) available online (service provided by Zoom)