RNA seq analysis and downstream analysis--Effects of HIV and ageing on adipose tissue biology

Project title
Effects of HIV and ageing on adipose tissue biology

People involved
Principal investigator : Dr. Amy Mendham
Bioinformatics support team : Katie Lennard and Ephifania Geza

Short description of project
We propose three time points across a woman’s life course where alterations in fat distribution are evident and may be further exacerbated in people living with HIV. These alterations relate to the influence of hormonal regulation on adipose tissue redistribution from the gynoid to android region, which can have profound effects on subcutaneous adipose tissue biology and subsequent metabolic health. The data will include samples collected at three time points before, during and after menopause (500 human samples). The bioinformatics analysis involve the RNA preprocessing, analysis and downstream analysis.

Objectives
To investigate the effects of HIV and ageing on adipose biology, how it relates to hormonal regulation, fat distribution and subsequent health in African women compared to women without HIV.