Project details

Neutrophils are early responders to inflammation. They contain antimicrobial granules that they release to combat infection. They are also distinguished by a polymorphic nucleus that becomes multilobed in mature neutrophils.

We have been conducting an image-based CRISPR screen to identify genes that are involved in key components of neutrophil maturation – granule production, the increasing complexity of nuclear morphology and migration.

In this project, you will characterise hits we have identified from this screen in detail. Firstly, you will use CRISPR and other molecular biology techniques to confirm whether the genes have a role in neutrophil maturation. Confirmed hits will be further characterised with microscopy to study morphological defects and in vitro assays to characterise functional defects. 

About our research group

The Hilton laboratory is located within the Blood Cells and Blood Cancer division and is dedicated to unpicking the genetics of blood cell production. We are using genomics and CRISPR based screens to identify the genes that control the production of megakaryocytes and granulocytes.