Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Washington received a $380,371 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2031. This award supports the development of computational methods to infer cellular history from single-cell sequencing data, enabling researchers to reconstruct disease progression in tissues that are not longitudinally accessible, such as the brain in Alzheimer's disease or the heart in cardiomyopathy studies. The research employs a three-pronged approach: leveraging lineage-tracing single-cell RNA sequencing to quantify cellular history inference capacity, analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data from large donor cohorts to decode human-specific disease dynamics while accounting for biological and environmental variability, and integrating single-cell multi-omics techniques to model regulatory mechanisms driving cellular transitions over time.

The project combines statistical and artificial intelligence methodologies to uncover hidden cellular histories not observable through conventional tissue analysis, with validation conducted in systems where longitudinal sequencing is feasible to ensure methodological rigor. Deliverables include novel computational tools and validated analytical frameworks that advance understanding of complex biological processes underlying disease mechanisms, with potential applications informing therapeutic strategies and supporting NIGMS's mission to enhance health and reduce disease burden through innovative biomedical research.