Frances Keer (BLAINEY LAB)

Stitch-seq: A Facile and High-throughput Perturbation Sequencing Method

Large-scale pooled CRISPR screens with high-complexity readouts, such as gene expression profiles, are a powerful approach to identify genes that affect cell behavior. However, the high cost of processing samples for single-cell transcriptome readout has hindered the scalability of gene expression screens. To address this, we present Stitch-seq, a low-cost genome-wide screening method with a targeted gene expression readout that does not need single-cell reagents or engineered reporter cell lines, making it generalizable to many biological systems.

Cathy Wang (LANGER & BHATIA LABS)

Applying Activity-based Nanotechnologies Towards Lung Cancer Interception

Chronic inflammation is strongly associated with lung cancer development. As the cytokine IL-1b is a key mediator of inflammation and requires proteolytic processing for activation, IL-1b-cleaving enzymes may serve as critical upstream determinants of disease. Herein, we utilized activity-based nanotechnologies, such as in vivo nanosensors and in situ zymography probes, to monitor changes in protease activity in murine lung adenocarcinoma. We have identified a promising target for cancer interception and improved immunotherapy efficacy.