Expression systems for pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated derivatives

Summary This project involves the design and development of gene expression systems that can be used to controllably regulate transgene expression in cells derived from pluripotent stem cells.

Project Details

Human pluripotent stem cells provide an opportunity to study normal development, to model disease and to generate cells and products for potential therapeutic use. A key technology in this system is the ability to over-express genes in a controllable and predictable manner.

We have previously described systems for constitutive expression of transgenes in pluripotent stem cells using specific loci and vector configurations. Although useful for studies involving lineage tracing and cell labelling, these systems do not enable simple manipulation of gene expression in a reliable and controllable manner. This project will create a set of novel vectors for obtaining controllable transgene expression in pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated progeny. Students will learn how to grow, genetically modify and differentiate pluripotent stem cells. The project will also involve techniques such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and quantitative PCR. Depending on the direction of the work, generation and analysis of RNAseq data may also be necessary.

The Immune Development Laboratory is physically located at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, part of the Melbourne Children’s Campus, which also includes the Royal Children’s Hospital and University of Melbourne: See our website for further information.