Transcriptome essentially refers to a collection of messengers (mRNA) within a cell; when quantified the transcriptome tells us how active genes are in a sample. Using microarray analysis tools, I’ve learnt to critically analyse and interpret alterations to the transcriptome of neonatal mice. Using this information, discovery driven hypotheses were generated based around the relatively newly discovered cell type collectively termed group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). Analyses from this project added to previous work to suggest that in response to insults such as respiratory pathogens the interactions between ILC2s and bronchioalveolar stem cells (BASCs) may be dysregulated; the result being impaired respiratory development.

Throughout this project I’ve refined skills not only required for laboratory work but those which are critical for an academic. Inside the lab I’ve mastered qPCR (a gold standard for quantifying gene expression); also I’ve been exposed to western blot, ELISA and flow cytometry to list a few techniques. Outside of the lab I’ve used high throughput gene analysis tools to apply sophisticated bioinformatics algorithms to gene expression data. Also I’ve learnt to normalize, graph and apply statistics to data which I’ve been required to present at group meetings.

I’ve learnt so much in such a short amount of time, this project has far exceeded my expectations. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my supervisors for spending time to explain the rationale behind their work and clarify any concepts I struggled with. Working on this project for my summer based scholarship has been such a great experience.