Neuron degeneration characterizes countless debilitating brain diseases, and is often thought to be irreversible. However, there exists potential for new gene therapies related to combinations of transcription factors that could help treat such disease. For background, transcription factors are proteins that regulate the transcription of DNA to RNA by readying certain regions of chromatin for transcription by RNA Polymerase. Developing a computational model for transcription factors and their role in gene transcription is necessary to predict which TFs drive the expression of target genes. In the context of regenerative brain medicine, this predictive ability can inform us of potential formulations of regulators for gene therapies related to reversing neurodegeneration.

As someone who switched majors halfway through undergrad, I have been searching for a defined way to explore my academic interests in computer science and cognitive science. SuperUROP provides a unique opportunity to explore these fields while providing research and communication guidance. I am particularly excited about potential impact of this project on the future of gene therapy and neurodegenerative disease.