WEHI is a leading institute in spatial-transcriptomics technologies with multiple spatial instruments available. In this project, we aim to combine spatial transcriptomics with single-cell pooled CRISPR screens. CRISPR screens are a powerful tool to elucidate the function of genes by removing or enhancing a gene and determining what happens to the cells.
The student will collaborate with 10X Genomics, Nanostring, and other laboratories to design and produce spatial-compatible CRISPR libraries. Further, single-cell RNA-sequencing methods will provide a tool to optimise constructs, broaden the applicability of the developed system and another layer of information by integrating with spatial data.
The potential outcome of this project has implications not only for CRISPR screening, but also other modalities, such as lineage tracing through unique cell barcodes.