Summary
This project aims to develop the first lifespan-matched, comparative single-cell spatial transcriptomic atlas of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in humans and rhesus macaques to understand molecular mechanisms of brain aging and neurodegeneration.
What they want
The project will develop a lifespan-matched, comparative single-cell spatial transcriptomic atlas of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in humans and rhesus macaques. It will use the cutting-edge CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager (SMI) to generate high-resolution, single-cell gene expression profiles across young, adult, and aged life stages in both species. The central hypothesis is that aging induces specific, identifiable spatial and cell-type-specific gene expression alterations conserved between humans and rhesus macaques, contributing to neurodegeneration. The candidate will receive comprehensive training in NHP aging models, advanced spatial transcriptomics using the CosMx SMI platform, human neuropathology, data interpretation, and cross-species comparative analysis using integrative bioinformatics.
Deliverables
- Lifespan-matched, comparative single-cell spatial transcriptomic atlas of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in humans and rhesus macaques
- High-resolution, single-cell gene expression profiles across different life stages in humans and rhesus macaques
Technical requirements
- CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager (SMI) platform
- Integrative bioinformatics for cross-species comparative analysis
Key personnel
- Candidate (to receive training)
- Expert mentors
