Weekly Seminar: Kendell Clement
December 04, 2023
Talk title: Advancements in Sequence Alignment for CRISPR, Single-Cell Disease Simulation, and Beyond
Where: TMCB 1170 @ 11am
Application of computer science algorithms to the life sciences can substantially improve analysis and interpretation of biological data. This talk explores improvements in sequence alignment algorithms applied to the analysis of CRISPR genome editing—a cutting-edge DNA-editing technology that was recently approved in the UK as a permanent treatment for sickle cell disease. By modifying sequence alignment algorithms to reflect the biological mechanisms of CRISPR systems, we improved accuracy in identifying DNA sequence changes arising from CRISPR genome editing. These improvements are implemented in the software CRISPResso2, a widely-used tool for analysis of genome editing. We have also developed methods to analyze DNA sequences from single cells, and have used these tools to model disease initiation by introducing specific mutations into healthy cells. This talk will demonstrate how sequence alignment algorithms can be applied to cutting-edge biological technologies to improve analysis and interpretation, and ultimately affect human health.
Dr. Kendell Clement is an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Utah. He received a BS in Computer Science and Bioinformatics from Brigham Young University and was a Fulbright scholar at the Free University in Berlin. He completed a PhD in Medical Engineering from MIT and Harvard and pursued postdoctoral research studies at the Massachusetts General Hospital. His lab is interested in developing new computational tools and leveraging cutting-edge experimental technologies to understand the genetics and epigenetics of disease imitation. The Clement lab is interested in developing new computational tools and leveraging cutting-edge experimental technologies to understand the genetics and epigenetics of disease initiation.