Evolutionary genomics- exploring the genomic basis of biological adaptations and transitions with Dr Jordi Paps Montserrat

The Genomics Lab

#Science #Biology #Olivia Grant and Eleanor Watson #Eleanor Watson #Olivia Grant

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

for 4 år siden 1:10:31

M4A•Episode hjem

In today's episode, we speak to Dr Jordi Paps-Montserrat, lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol. Jordi did his PhD at the University of Barcelona, before completing his post-doc at the University of Oxford. We talk with Jordi today about his work on evolutionary genomics, and how we can elucidate biological adaptations and the origins on animals and plants throughout evolution by looking at the genomic and molecular pathways underlying these evolutionary shifts.

Contact Jordi here: jordi.paps@bristol.ac.uk

Jordi's Twitter: @JordiPaps

View Alex's paper, which Jordi discusses, here: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982219315957

Check out Biobox Analytics here, the ideal platform for working with NGS data, running and designing bioinformatic pipelines and generating the perfect plots: https://biobox.io/

34 episoder

The Genomics Lab

Evolutionary genomics- exploring the genomic basis of biological adaptations and transitions with Dr Jordi Paps Montserrat

The Genomics Lab

published for 4 år siden

Del

M4A•Episode hjem

Contact Jordi here: jordi.paps@bristol.ac.uk

Jordi's Twitter: @JordiPaps

View Alex's paper, which Jordi discusses, here: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982219315957

Check out Biobox Analytics here, the ideal platform for working with NGS data, running and designing bioinformatic pipelines and generating the perfect plots: https://biobox.io/

34 episoder

#Science #Biology #Olivia Grant and Eleanor Watson #Eleanor Watson #Olivia Grant

Alle episoder

The Genomics Lab

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Transposons and epigenetic priming of enhancers within early human embryo development with Dr Christopher Todd 1:26:40

for 3 years siden1:26:40

1:26:40

In today's episode I spoke again to Dr Christopher Todd from the Babraham institute. Chris is a postdoctoral researcher in Wolf Reiks lab who talked to me about transposable elements and epigenetic priming of enhancers with human embryonic development. Chris gave a great talk at GREECS 2022 where he discussed his research and I absolutely loved his talk, so immediately messaged him to join me on the podcast! If like me, you feel unclear on what exactly are transposable elements, the details of their function & classification and want to learn more about enhancer priming, stay tuned to learn lots! Even if you do know these things, I guarantee you will still learn so much from Chris! Hope you all enjoy! Chris' twitter: https://twitter.com/C_D_Todd Reik lab twitter: https://twitter.com/ReikLab Chris profile on Babraham website: https://www.babraham.ac.uk/people/member/746 Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WPqJa6QAAAAJ&hl=en…

The Genomics Lab

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Neuroscience meets epigenetics - Doctor Ben Rein 1:27:07

for 3 years siden1:27:07

1:27:07

TGL made it to 2022! On todays episode, I spoke to Dr Benjamin Rein, a neuroscientist all the way from Stanford. We speak all about Bens experience of science communication on social media, Ben uses Tik Tok & instagram to make awesome short videos on scientific papers and topics and has gained a following of +600,000 on tik tok! He also talks all about his passion for neuroscience, his PhD research and then we talked a lot about stuff we dont know a lot about! Hope you enjoy this conversation & be sure to check Ben out on social media using the links below! Bens tik tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.brein?lang=en Bens instagram - https://www.instagram.com/doctor.brein/?hl=en Bens website - https://www.benrein.com…

The Genomics Lab

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Spatial transcriptomics with Dr Patrick CN Martin 1:17:27

for 3 years siden1:17:27

1:17:27

In today's episode I spoke again to Dr Patrick CN Martin from the Biotech research and innovation centre at the University of Copenhagen, about spatial transcriptomics. Patrick is a post doctoral researcher who has been working on ST and more specifically, this pre print which we also took a deep dive into, on todays episode! Patricks new tool, named Vesalius (stay tuned to find out why) is able to decipher tissue anatomy from ST data by converting transcriptomic information into a color code for image segmentation. The tool is able to successfully detect tissue architecture in mouse embryo and brain from high resolution ST data by incorporating image processing algorithms. Vesalius is a tool to perform high-resolution in silico anatomization and molecular characterization from ST data. If like me, you feel unclear on what exactly is ST and how it works, stay tuned to learn lots! Even if you do know what ST is, don't worry! once Patrick taught me all about ST, we took a deep dive into the pre print, and discussed so many interesting topics. Patricks twitter: https://twitter.com/pcnmartin The pre print: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.13.456235v2 GREECS registration : https://whova.com/portal/registration/early_202201/…

The Genomics Lab

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Epigenetics & fertility with Alka Gupta 1:11:46

for 3 years siden1:11:46

1:11:46

This week I spoke to Alka Gupta. Alka has just finished up her PhD and begun her postdoctoral position at UCSC in the Sharma Lab where she is now working on epigenetic inheritance. Today we spoke about her PhD research in which she was looking at the role of microRNAs in male infertility. We learnt about Sertoli cells, spermatogenesis and shrinking testis! Tune in to find out more! Contact Alka here: https://twitter.com/alka_gupta__ GREECS registration link: https://whova.com/portal/registration/early_202201/…

The Genomics Lab

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Biomarkers in genomics with Dr Paul Okunieff 54:59

for 3 years siden54:59

54:59

Today I speak to Dr Paul Okunieff , founder and consultant of Diacarta. DiaCarta is a leading translational genomics and personalized diagnostics company based in California. DiaCarta provides highly sensitive and advanced technologies aiming to change the landscape of precision medicine and molecular diagnostics by impacting healthcare treatment plans and the well-being of individuals around the world. Today me and Paul chat about the use of biomarkers in genomics, we touch on his recent coauthored papers in nature scientific reports here . We also discuss some ethical issues behind biomarkers and how events like 9/11 led Paul to pursue his career in this field. Please visit Diacartas website here to find out more about them and connect with them on LinkedIn here .…

The Genomics Lab

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The dark matter of the genome with Sudarshan Pinglay 1:09:23

for 3 years siden1:09:23

1:09:23

On todays episode, I speak to Sudarshan Pinglay, a PhD student from NYU medical center. Sudarshan is involved in the dark matter project- we talk about the dark matter of the genome, where introns, repetitive and regulatory elements reside. Sudarshan works specifically on the HOXA locus. The Hox family of genes pattern the head to tail axis in the developing embryo. In mammals, there are are four separate clusters (HoxA,B,C and D). Both space and time of Hox gene expression is colinear to their sequence in the genome. Loss of this leads to serious defects. Sudarshan talks about his wet lab and dry lab work, where he has been using the HoxA cluster as a model to understand how the expression of Hox genes is regulated in order to pattern the developing nervous system. He tells us about his work aiming to build the HoxA cluster from the ground up so that he could manipulate the various players that have been implicated in Hox gene regulation and understand the pattern of Hox gene expression and embryonic development. This is the pre print we discussed in todays episode, and more on the dark matter genome project can be found here. Sudarshan can be found on twitter here !…

The Genomics Lab

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The immune system: B cells and Epigenetics with Dr Hamish King 1:14:31

for 4 years siden1:14:31

1:14:31

In todays episode, I speak to Dr Hamish King, a Sir Henry Wellcome Fellow affiliated with the Blizard Institute at Queen Mary University of London. Hamish is interested in how errors in gene regulation lead to changes in the behaviour and function of B cells, an important cell type in our immune system that makes antibodies to fight and remember infections. Hamish talks about how he uses wet lab and bioinformatic techniques to answer these questions. Dr King is also due to become a laboratory head at WEHI in early 2022, where his lab will focus on answering a range of questions including: How immune-specific chromatin-based mechanisms regulate gene expression Whether autoimmune-associated genetic risk loci disrupt regulatory function of enhancers If disease-specific epigenomic networks exist in autoimmunity We talk also in the episode, about Hamish's recent paper which is accessible here , you can also find Hamish on twitter here where he is happy to be contacted further about his research and upcoming vacancies in his brand new lab.…

The Genomics Lab

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Epigenetic biomarkers of exposure to tobacco smoke : A biosocial approach with Alexandria Andrayas 1:02:21

for 4 years siden1:02:21

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Welcome to Episode 29 of The Genomics Lab! On today's episode we talk to Alexandria Andrayas who is a PhD candidate in the Soc-B Centre for doctoral training which is a new and unique programme in biosocial research. The programme is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council. It combines the strengths of the University of Essex, Manchester and UCL. The impact of smoking on health can be mediated through several biological pathways and it is well documented that smoking can be linked to large differences in DNA methylation as Alex discusses today. We also discuss the need and importance of giving consideration to the role that society may play in studies such as these. Stay tuned to find out more about epigenetics, DNA methylation and biosocial research. Contact alex here: https://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/people/aandra My preprint: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.02.458717v1…

The Genomics Lab

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Dissecting the binding mechanisms of Transcription Factors to DNA with Dr Patrick CN Martin 1:10:52

for 4 years siden1:10:52

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Welcome to Episode 28 of The Genomics Lab! On today's episode we talk to Dr.Patrick CN Martin who is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen. He completed his PhD in Dr Radu Zabets lab in 2020 where he investigated the binding mechanisms of transcription factors to DNA. His research involved development of an R package, ChIPAnalyser. A user-friendly, versatile and powerful R/Bioconductor package predicting and modelling the binding of TFs to DNA. ChIPanalyser performs similarly to state-of-the-art tools, but is an explainable model and provides biological insights into binding mechanisms of transcription factors to DNA. His research focused on investigating the binding mechanisms of three TFs that are known architectural proteins CTCF, BEAF-32 and su(Hw) in three Drosophila cell lines (BG3, Kc167 and S2). Aside from his research, Patrick enjoys coding, astrophysics and is now working in the exciting field of spatial transcriptomics! We also discuss the use of clinical data in genomics research, learning to code and bioinformatics. Hope you all enjoy! (See below for links) Patrick's twitter: https://twitter.com/pcnmartin Patrick's paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2001037020304736?via%3Dihub ChIPAnalyser Bioconductor package: https://www.bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/ChIPanalyser.html…

The Genomics Lab

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Remote control of gene expression: enhancers and the 4D genome with Professor Wendy Bickmore 1:16:42

for 4 years siden1:16:42

1:16:42

This week we are honoured to host Professor Wendy Bickmore, the Director of the MRC Human Genetics unit at the University of Edinburgh. Wendys research laboratory focuses on trying to better understand the 3D organisation of the genome, and how this controls how the genome functions during normal development. They are further interested in how this may be perturbed into disease. Wendy talks to us about some of her recent work which has been extremely important for better understanding enhancer function and also, some of the challenges and questions which remain to be answered in the field. She also provides some great insight into the experiments and methods ongoing in her lab now. Find Wendy on twitter here : https://twitter.com/wendy_bickmore Find out more about Wendys laboratory here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/mrc-human-genetics-unit/research/bickmore-group…

The Genomics Lab

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Rattlesnakes and Population Genomics with Kat Ivey 1:11:04

for 4 years siden1:11:04

1:11:04

Welcome back! Today we are talking to Kathleen Ivey, a PhD student from the University of Texas at Arlington in the Castoe Lab. Kat talks to us all about her journey to her PhD, with a background in vet tech & herpetology. Kat now focuses on population genomics, with a particular interest in Rattlesnakes. She tells us all about being out in the field collecting the species right through to the laboratory investigation of gene expression! Find links to Kats socials below! Kats twitter: https://twitter.com/KatIvey2 Kats publications : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wVZuQykAAAAJ&hl=en Kats instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blondetravelingcircus/?hl=en…

The Genomics Lab

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Making connections between epigenetics and evolution with Dr Peter Sarkies 1:21:20

for 4 years siden1:21:20

1:21:20

Welcome back for another episode! This week we chat to Dr Peter Sarkies from Imperial College London / MRC LMS! Peter is a senior lecturer running his own laboratory which aims to make connections between epigenetic gene regulation and evolution. Peter talks to us all about his research involving investigation of a wide range of epigenetic pathways including small RNA's such as Piwi interacting RNAs (piRNAs), DNA methylation and histone modification. Talking about RNAs is a first for us on the podcast, so we really enjoyed listening to everything Peter had to say! Publication relevant to todays discussion: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-020-01293-z?proof=t Blog post relevant to todays discussion: https://lms.mrc.ac.uk/epigenetics-evolution-in-the-fast-lane/ Lab website: https://psarkies.wixsite.com/epievo Contact Peter on twitter here: https://twitter.com/PSarkies…

The Genomics Lab

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Epigenetic regulation in neurodegenerative diseases with Dr Sarah Marzi 1:06:30

for 4 years siden1:06:30

1:06:30

On todays episode, we talk to Dr Sarah Marzi from Imperial College London all about her work into the epigenetic regulation in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Sarah tells us about her journey into this field and describes what exactly neurodegenerative diseases are?! She also talks to us about her contributions to the field so far, including her work on epigenetic modifications, more specifically histone acetylation differences in people with and without Alzheimers and what these histone modifications mean for gene regulation. She also tells us all about the current and future plans for her research and her lab, which sounds very promising and exciting. Contact Sarah on twitter here: https://twitter.com/sj_marzi Read the paper in nature neuroscience here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-018-0253-7?WT.feed_name=subjects_dementia…

The Genomics Lab

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DNA nanotechnology with Dr Andrew J Lee 59:51

for 4 years siden59:51

59:51

This week we took a slight detour away from our normal topic of conversation (Genomics) and immersed ourselves into the world of DNA nanotechnology with Dr Andrew J Lee, the centre manager of the Bragg Centre for materials research. Andy is a weaver of DNA and nanoscale filmaker in the Bioelectronics group. He develops nanostructures that are self assembled from DNA molecules to template, control and study a variety of single biological entities and inorganic processes. We spoke about Andrews academic background, what DNA nanotechnology is, its methods AND its applications. This episode was so fascinating and Andy explains a very complex topic in a very simple and accessible way! If you're keen to hear more about DNA origami and smiley face emojis made out of DNA, then stay tuned! You can contact Andy via twitter here : https://twitter.com/AndrewJLee90…

The Genomics Lab

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Non-CG Methylation and its Role in Development with Dr Ozren Bogdanovic 59:35

for 4 years siden59:35