Hasan Noor
Research Mentor: Dogukan Mizrak
Mentor Department: Cardiac Surgery, Other
Author(s): Hasan Noor, Dogukan Mizrak
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 101
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAAs) is a life-threatening condition in which the dilation of the aortic wall can lead to dissection and rupture. There is currently no effective pharmacological treatment for TAA, leaving surgical repair as the only treatment option. While single-cell RNA sequencing has been used to study aneurysmal tissue, this method disrupts tissue architecture causing loss of spatial context. To better understand the organization of cells within aneurysmal tissue, we are using imaging-based spatial profiling allowing us to analyze gene expression at single-cell resolution while preserving tissue architecture. Fresh aortic tissue samples from eligible participants are embedded in optimal cutting temperature compound, frozen, and sectioned. RNA quality is assessed before samples undergo spatial transcriptomic assay. We are generating gene expression data for >5,000 genes across multiple human aneurysmal tissue samples. Using this dataset, we will provide high-resolution spatial maps of gene expression across intact tissue sections, allowing us to infer interactions of cells within the aortic wall. By examining the spatial landscape of aneurysmal tissue, we aim to better understand the cellular organization and molecular mechanisms that contribute to TAA development for treatment development.
