Untangling Genetic Complexity in Alzheimer’s Disease Through Integrative Single-Cell Multi-omics: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics

Dr. Ornit Chiba Falek is a Professor and Chief of the Division of Translational Brain Sciences in the Department of Neurology at Duke University School of Medicine, with a secondary appointment in Pathology. She is affiliated with the Duke/UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and several additional research centers at Duke. Her research focuses on the genetic and multi omics mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy body disorders, with a particular emphasis on gene dysregulation and therapeutic innovation. Dr. Chiba Falek has published nearly 90 peer reviewed manuscripts, lead multiple NIH- and foundations- funded projects, and co founded CLAIRIgene to advance gene targeted epigenome therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. She serves as Chief Editor of Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Associate Editor of The Journal of Aging Research & Lifestyle (JARLife), and holds scientific leadership roles in several national and international scientific organizations, including the International Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Center (INDRC), the Alzheimer’s Association Multiomics Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Alzheimer’s Association Business Consortium (AABC). Since 2025, she has co-hosted a 10 episode webinar series titled Empowering Proteomics and Transcriptomics in Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery. Her honors include the Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar Award in Aging (2008) and the Raine Visiting Professor Award (2020).

Abstract:

Alzheimer’s Disease is not a single disorder, but rather a heterogeneous group of related disorders. Moreover, the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms are highly complex. Together the complexity and heterogeneity present major challenges for identifying precise disease mechanisms and, consequently, for developing effective therapies. In this talk, I will highlight how we leverage on systems biology approaches and advanced genomic technologies, particularly single cell multi omics, to disentangle the molecular underpinning Alzheimer’s Disease. Through integrating multimodal molecular datasets, we aim to uncover the cellular and molecular drivers of Alzheimer’s Disease across diverse populations, with a focus on identifying the specific cell types that mediate these multi-omics signatures. Importantly, these efforts extend beyond advancing fundamental biological understanding. They directly inform therapeutic innovation by enabling the development of gene-targeted interventions and omics-based biomarkers based on patient stratification. Ultimately, my goal is to illustrate a real-world bench-to-bedside journey in Alzheimer’s disease. While the path is complex and often winding, these integrative and precision-driven approaches allow us to translate discovery into meaningful impact. Thus, advancing a future in which precision medicine for Alzheimer’s disease is not just a vision, but a reality.