Alternative Polyadenylation (APA) is utilized by more than 70% of human genes and has emerged as a major mechanism for diversifying transcriptomes and regulating gene expression. Abnormal APA events in immune cells can affect genes related to immune function and signaling, leading to links with autoimmune diseases and cancer pathogenesis. This underscores the critical role of APA in immune regulation and the need for further research into therapeutic strategies targeting APA.

This project aims to investigate the role of APA in cell fate by studying CD8+ T cells that respond to virus infections and how RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate APA in T cell differentiation. We combine single-cell assays, CRISPR gene knockouts in transgenic CD8+ T cells, computational data analysis, and advanced machine learning models to understand the functional and phenotypic implications of the novel roles of RBPs in regulating APA within the immune system.

This project is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Projects Scheme.

Student intake: Open for Honours, Masters, PhD