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Sedat Kacar

Sedat Kacar

Bioinformatics Scientist

About me

I am a bioinformatics scientist with a strong foundation in molecular biology, histology, and computational biology. My current research focuses on single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, analyzing pulmonary-associated diseases such as hypoxia and sickle cell anemia. I primarily use R (Seurat) and Python (Scanpy, Squidpy) for data analysis, visualization, and integration across multiple omics layers.

I am passionate about mapping organs at single-cell resolution and integrating transcriptomics, spatial, and other omics data to build organ-wide molecular atlases. With over 10 years of academic experience and 8 years of teaching histology, I bring both analytical and educational perspectives to biomedical research.

I regularly share insights on single-cell analysis and reproducible workflows through my LinkedIn posts and blog, Sedat Blogs. I am committed to open science and enjoy helping others navigate the world of computational biology.

My Academic and Research Journey

I was born with a deep fascination for biology, a curiosity that first led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics in Türkiye. After graduation, I spent two years working in the field of forensic science, sharpening my skills in DNA analysis and laboratory techniques.

However, I knew I wanted more — to explore science at its very core. I transitioned into academia, completing my Master’s and Ph.D. in Histology and Embryology. During these years, I lectured medical and nursing students for over 8 years, teaching histology courses that deepened my appreciation for tissue structure and cellular biology.

In 2021, I moved to the United States to begin my postdoctoral research at Indiana University, specializing in single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics within pulmonary diseases like pulmonary hypertension, hypoxia, and sickle cell disease. I work extensively with tools like Seurat (R) and Scanpy/Squidpy (Python) to dissect cellular complexity.

My histology background allowed me to analyze and interpret single-cell data with a unique robustness, enabling me to map and visualize cellular changes across different lung compartments with confidence and precision.

I am passionate about integrating different omic layers — including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics — to advance our understanding of tissue architecture, vascular remodeling, and cellular heterogeneity. My dream is to map all organs at single-cell resolution and build comprehensive organ-wide molecular atlases.

I also love sharing knowledge. I regularly post insights about single-cell bioinformatics on LinkedIn to help others in their scientific journeys.

Each step of my journey — from forensic labs in Türkiye to research labs in Indiana — has been fueled by my curiosity, resilience, and a relentless drive to learn and contribute. I am grateful for every challenge that shaped me and every opportunity that lies ahead.

Interests

Contact

Selected Publications

. Vasculogenic skin reprogramming requires TET-mediated gene demethylation in fibroblasts for rescuing impaired perfusion in diabetes . In Nature Communications, 2024.

Paper Link