Events
Past Event
Seminar: The Physical Encoding of Transcriptional Memories
Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering (CPGE)
12:00 PM
Details
Abstract
Remarkably, the human genome encodes the complexity of hundreds of cell types for more than a century from transient embryonic signals. Proper organ function then relies on millions of diverse cells responding coherently to shared stimuli. Coordinating complex behavior across many cell states requires a robust mechanism. At the nanoscale, the human genome physically assembles into several thousand mass-fractal packing domains. Unlike TADs, packing domains represent nanoscale, continuous chromatin density distributions that physically couple high-density heterochromatin cores with transcriptionally active surfaces. In this talk, Dr. Almassalha describes how transcription guides the formation of packing domains by creating geometric specificity for chromatin remodeling enzymes based on their sizes. In turn, transcriptional reactions benefit from optimized physiochemical conditions at the domain surface that can be maintained for decades by the geometric specificity of the remodeling enzymes. In effect, our genome is a self-assembling geometric computational system that physically encodes transcriptional memories as packing domains in a manner reminiscent of reinforcement learning in neural networks. Dr. Almassalha will then discuss how this system is relevant to human health by examining domain formation in muscle development and aging.
About Luay Almassalha, MD, PhD
Luay Almassalha, MD, PhD is a sixth-year fellow in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and a 2024 Starzl Research Scholar recipient. He is working toward his goal of becoming an independent physician-scientist running a lab at the intersection of mathematics, chromatin biology, and nanoscopic imaging to address gaps in the knowledge of disease of the gastrointestinal tract. After receiving his MD and PhD training, through the Northwestern University Medical-Scientist Training Program under the mentorship of Dr. Vadim Backman and Dr. Igal Szleifer, he completed clinical training in Internal Medicine and is currently completing his training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Motivated by his clinical experience with patients impacted by immune disorders and cancers throughout the gastrointestinal tract, he investigates how the physical folding of the genome intersects with human disease. His goal is to apply the understanding of physical and chemical properties of the genome to these disorders to develop new treatments as well as prognostic and diagnostic tools.
Time
Friday, January 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering (CPGE)
Winter exams begin
University Academic Calendar
All Day
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Winter exams begin
Time
Monday, March 17, 2025
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University Academic Calendar
Spring Break Begins
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Spring Break Begins
Time
Saturday, March 22, 2025
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Spring Break Ends
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Spring Break Ends
Time
Monday, March 31, 2025
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University Academic Calendar
BME Seminar Series: Dr. Chi Zhang
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
4:00 PM
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Tech L361, Technological Institute
Details
"Chemically Selective Imaging and Precision Control of Biomolecular Functions in Live Cells"
Abstract:
Understanding complex biological functions and tracking pathological changes require precise measurement of chemical compositions in biological systems. Recent advancements in optical microscopy have enabled high-resolution mapping of physical and chemical properties, with Coherent Raman Scattering (CRS) microscopy emerging as a powerful technique for imaging lipids and pharmaceutical compounds in biological samples. In this presentation, I will briefly highlight recent technological breakthroughs and key insights from my research group in CRS spectroscopy and microscopy.
The primary focus of this talk will be on Real-Time Precision Opto-Control (RPOC), an innovative technology for site-specific, chemically selective control of subcellular processes with submicron precision. RPOC extends beyond passive chemical imaging by enabling active, localized optical regulation, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, drug activation, photo-uncaging of small molecules, regulation of cell division, and selective cell elimination. These capabilities have provided new insights into site-specific molecular functions and enable sub-organelle-level microsurgery in live cells. In zebrafish embryos, RPOC further enhances the control and analysis of calcium waves induced by ATP uncaging and tissue wounding. I will discuss the development and applications of RPOC, highlighting its potential impact on biological and medical research.
Bio:
Dr. Chi Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Purdue University. He earned his Ph.D. in 2014 from the University of Michigan, specializing in surface nonlinear optical spectroscopy. From 2014 to 2020, his postdoctoral work at Purdue University, Boston University, and the University of Illinois focused on nonlinear optical spectroscopy and imaging for biomedical research. He began his independent research career at Purdue University in 2020, within the Analytical Division of the Chemistry Department.
Dr. Zhang’s current research focuses on developing novel optical imaging and opto-control technologies for biological applications. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and holds five patents. His lab specializes in Raman spectroscopy, coherent Raman scattering microscopy, and fluorescence imaging. In addition, his lab has pioneered Real-Time Precision Opto-Control (RPOC) technology, which enables precision optical control of chemical processes in live biological samples. His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, Merck & Co., BASF, the Purdue Trask Foundation, the Showalter Foundation, and the Center for Bioanalytical Metrology. Notably, he received the Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) with 2 Million in support from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Additionally, Dr. Zhang is the Founder of Photokinesis LLC, a company dedicated to the commercialization of advanced optical control technologies.
Related papers can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/zhangresearchgroup/publications?authuser=0
Time
Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
Tech L361, Technological Institute Map
Contact
Calendar
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
BME Seminar Series: Student Presentations (pt. 1)
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
4:00 PM
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L361, Technological Institute
Details
Coming soon!
Time
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
L361, Technological Institute Map
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McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
BME Seminar Series: Dr. Ross Ethier
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
4:00 PM
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Tech L361, Technological Institute
Details
“Stretch-sensitive ion channels and aqueous humor dynamics in glaucoma”
Time
Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
Tech L361, Technological Institute Map
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Calendar
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
BME Seminar Series: Student Presentations (pt. 2)
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
4:00 PM
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L361, Technological Institute
Details
Coming soon!
Time
Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
L361, Technological Institute Map
Contact
Calendar
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
The Annual Symposium on Physical Genomics
Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering (CPGE)
9:00 AM
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Simpson Querrey Auditorium, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center
Details
Engineering Living Systems at the Interface of Biological, Physical and Computational Sciences
The 2025 Symposium on Physical Genomics is hosted by the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering, and will be held April 25 on Northwestern's Chicago campus. Speakers include:
Keynote Lecture
Geeta Narlikar, University of California, San Francisco
Carlos Aguilar, University of Michigan
Timothy Downing, University of California, Irvine
Ying Hu, University of Illinois at Chicago
Tamar Schlick, New York University
Andrew Spakowitz, Stanford University
The event will also feature morning and afternoon Q&A panels with the speakers, a lunchtime poster session, and opportunities to network with world-class leaders in a broad range of cutting-edge scientific fields. Registration is required, sign up info and program details coming soon.
Time
Friday, April 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Location
Simpson Querrey Auditorium, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center Map
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Calendar
Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering (CPGE)
BME Seminar Series: Dr. Robert Rose
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
4:00 PM
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Tech L361, Technological Institute
Details
Coming Soon!
Time
Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
Tech L361, Technological Institute Map
Contact
Calendar
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
BME Seminar Series: Student Presentations (pt. 3)
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)
4:00 PM
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L361, Technological Institute
Details
Coming Soon!
Time
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
L361, Technological Institute Map
Contact
Calendar
McCormick - Biomedical Engineering Department (BME)