Core D: Data

PROJECT SUMMARY (CORE D: DATA)
Center investigators have proposed an interconnected set of Projects, Cores and aims using a genomic and
multi-omic driven approach for understanding the mechanisms of major genetic risk factors for Progressive
Supranuclear Palsy, a prototypical Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FLTD) and FTD-Tau, a rare inherited
frontotemporal dementia caused by mutations in the MAPT gene. The Center Projects and Cores will generate
a large compendium of data with diverse data types including single nuclei transcriptomics, open chromatin and
transcription factor footprints, as well as bulk proteomics from brain tissue and in vitro systems that must be
integrated to understand the functional impact of genetic variation in FTD. Therefore, it is critical for the Data
Core to support the Center’s data storage, analysis and sharing. The Center’s Data Core will be co-led by Drs.
Timothy Chang, M.D., Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, Neurology) and David Elashoff, Ph.D. (Professor, Medicine
and Biostatistics) who bring complementary expertise and experience. The goal of the Data Core is to accelerate
scientific discoveries from the Center by supporting data storage and analysis that will be shared with the
research community. To accomplish these goals, Aim 1 is to coordinate communication and storage of data
generated by the Projects and Cores. We will 1a) use project management software to efficiently coordinate
communication of data generation between Center Projects and Cores on a daily basis; and 1b) store data in a
user-friendly electronic data capture system (REDCap) with customized quality control. Aim 2 is to distribute and
support performance of data processing pipelines and analysis algorithms. We will 2a) ensure standardized data
processing pipelines and support their performance; and 2b) apply algorithms for integration of bulk
transcriptomic, chromatin structure and proteomics to understand regulatory relationships at the mRNA, non-
coding RNA and protein levels. Aim 3 is to assist the sharing of data and results with the research community.
We will 3a) share code and data on government and non-government sponsored data sharing platforms; and
3b) create haplotype and ancestry specific high-resolution data visualization tools that capture and integrate all
data including genetic, regulatory elements, gene expression, splicing and proteins. Supporting Center Projects
and Cores, the Data Core will establish resources for accurate data storage, rigorous data analysis and
productive data sharing mechanisms for the research community. The Data Core will enable acceleration of
scientific discovery within and outside of the Center.

Grant Number: 5U54NS123746-05
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Timothy Chang