In the project, I managed to perform the genetic screen and identified potential regulatory factors of transcriptional memory. Next, I validated the observations by a complementary method that I established in my laboratory. Moreover, I extended the transcriptional memory observation to other cells of the innate immune system e.g. monocytes and macrophages as well as primary cells. On top of that, I discovered a specific change in cellular biology that correlates with transcriptional memory and built tools to test the significance of this observation. Finally, I tested the function of a different specific protein factor in the memory phenomenon.
Overview of the work performed from the beginning to the end of the project per Work package:
Work Package 1: Identification of novel factors controlling maintenance of transcriptional memory and IFNγ signal transduction.
I performed the genetic screen and identified putative activators, repressors and memory regulators of IFNγ stimulation.
Work package 2: Validation and generality of identified mechanisms.
I extended the IFNγ transcriptional memory observation to other cell types. With this, I established a valuable system to generalize the discoveries made during this project.
Work package 3: Dissemination and exploitation of the project results to scientific community and to the public.
We published a manuscript describing a novel mechanisms of transcriptional memory in a high quality, peer-reviewed international journal – the EMBO journal. Additionally, I presented my data in a form of a seminar at Harvard Medical School as well as University of Gdansk. Moreover, I designed and executed two outreach activities with a competition and a prize describing epigenetic processes as well as my research interests.
Work package 4: Project management.
I established an independent laboratory at the University of Gdansk and secured generous funding to continue my research on transcriptional memory. On top, I completed a 9-month long Leadership in Research course offered by Harvard University. Finally, I got promoted to an associate professor at the University of Gdansk.
Overview of the exploitation and dissemination actions:
I published a paper in an international peer reviewed journal (EMBO journal) and presented the data as an invited speaker at the Harvard Medical School and the University of Gdansk. Moreover, I designed and executed two outreach activities with a competition and a prize at the Biologist’s Night and at the EXPERYMENT Science Museum. Finally I disseminated the project results via social media and a dedicated website.
