Using ATAC-sequencing to investigate the transcriptional regulation of the SCN in response to light

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a small area of the brain located within the hypothalamus, and is responsible for orchestrating the light/dark cycle of all cells throughout the body, to ensure coordinated rhythmic outputs. The project aims to exploit a new next generation sequencing technique known as Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) to investigate the regulatory networks of cells within the SCN. It is hypothesised that the chromatin structure within nuclei of cells in the SCN, changes at different times of the day, to allow circadian entrainment to varying light/dark cycles. ATAC-seq will identify changes in chromatin structure, gaining insight into the genes that are being switched on and off at different points of the light/dark cycle. Disruption to a normal circadian rhythm is often endemic in todays 24 hour society; therefore understanding the fundamental biology underlying the circadian clock, and its regulation has never been more important.

The project will cover the following BBSRC Priority Areas:
Data driven biology
Food, nutrition and health
Healthy ageing across the lifecourse
The replacement, refinement and reduction (3Rs) in research using animals
Welfare of managed animals
Brain Science and Mental Health
Lifelong Health and Wellbeing

WUB, ENWW