Spatial mechano-transcriptomics of mouse embryogenesis
Advances in spatial profiling technologies are providing insights into how molecular programs are influenced by local signalling and environmental cues. However, cell fate specification and tissue patterning involve the interplay of biochemical and mechanical feedback. Here, we propose a new computational framework that enables the joint statistical analysis of transcriptional and mechanical signals in the context of spatial transcriptomics. To illustrate the application and utility of the approach, we use spatial transcriptomics data from the developing mouse embryo to infer the forces acting on individual cells, and use these results to identify mechanical, morphometric, and gene expression signatures that are predictive of tissue compartment boundaries. In addition, we use geoadditive structural equation modelling to identify gene modules that predict the mechanical behaviour of cells in an unbiased manner. This computational framework is easily generalized to other spatial profiling contexts, providing a generic scheme for exploring the interplay of biomolecular and mechanical cues in tissues.
Date: 6 December 2024, 11:00 (Friday, 8th week, Michaelmas 2024)
Venue: Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road OX2 6GG
Venue Details: L5
Speaker: Prof Adrien Hallou (University of Oxford)
Organising department: Mathematical Institute
Organiser: Sara Jolliffe (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: sara.jolliffe@maths.ox.ac.uk
Host: Prof Ruth Baker (University of Oxford)
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Sara Jolliffe