The aim of Dat Thanh Nguyen's doctoral work has been to create more accurate, efficient and scalable tools to link genetic variations to gene regulation, especially in the non-coding regions of the genome.
This doctoral research has focused on developing better methods to understand how the many genetic differences observed between individuals in humans and animals can influence important traits, such as growth or health. Although there are millions of such differences, only a few have real significance. The research has concentrated on parts of the DNA that are not coding for proteins but may still have the ability to regulate how genes function – an area that is difficult to interpret.
The most important result is the development of new computational tools that help researchers identify the genetic changes that affect how an organism functions at the molecular level. One tool improves the analysis of circular RNA, a type of RNA that plays an important role in gene regulation, making it easier to detect genetic variations that influence this RNA type. Another tool enables the detection of links between genetic variants and molecular data even with data from a small number of individuals, which helps reduce the cost of such experiments. A third tool uses artificial intelligence to predict how DNA changes may affect gene regulation in livestock and fish.
The aim of the work has been to create more accurate, efficient and scalable tools to link genetic variations to gene regulation, especially in the non-coding regions of the genome. This is important because many of the genetic differences that affect key traits in agriculture and aquaculture are found precisely in these regions.
By improving our ability to identify and understand these genetic signals, this research could have a significant impact on breeding and improving livestock and farmed fish. It can provide breeders with a better foundation for selecting animals with the most desirable traits, such as better health, faster growth, or increased production. In the long term, this could contribute to more efficient and sustainable food production. In addition, the knowledge generated may also be transferable to medical research and the understanding of diseases in humans and animals.
Dat Thanh Nguyen defends his thesis "Improved computational methods for regulatory genomic inference" on 22 April 2025.
Supervisors have been: Dr. Lars Grønvold, Medveieldere Prof. Simen Rød Sandve and Prof. Sigbjørn Lien