CRISPR/Cas9 Whole Genome Screens Reveal Novel Regulators of Endocytic Processes in Macrophages

Author

Jared Wollman, South Dakota State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2020

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Biology and Microbiology

First Advisor

Natalie Thiex

Keywords

CRISPR/Cas9, Macrophage, Macropinocytosis, Mannose Receptor, whole genome screen

Abstract

Macrophages maintain tissue homeostasis by identifying and eliminating threats within their tissue microenvironment. Pattern recognition receptors allow macrophages to recognize and internalize specific ligands while macropinocytosis allows the internalization of all extracellular solutes from their environment. Without pattern recognition receptors, pathogens may grow unchecked if they cannot be detected, and without macropinocytosis, macrophages struggle to detect and move around their environment. This thesis presents the results of CRISPR/Cas9 whole-genome screens used to identify the regulators of both endocytosis (Chapter 2) and macropinocytosis (Chapter 3). In Chapter 2, we report genes regulating dextran uptake in primary murine macrophages and reveal Mrc1-mediated endocytosis, instead of macropinocytosis, as the primary internalization mechanism mediating dextran uptake. In Chapter 3, to specifically target macropinocytosis, we present the results of CRISPR/Cas9 whole genome screens to identify genes regulating lucifer yellow uptake in primary macrophages. We observed that regulation of both the endo-lysosomal system and mTor signaling complex as essential for regulating macropinocytosis. This thesis establishes a framework for understanding how primary macrophages regulate both endocytic and macropinocytic processes. We can use this information to identify therapies and treatments to stimulate or inhibit Mrc1-mediated endocytic processes or macropinocytosis. Macrophages may be selectively targeted with therapeutics dependent on either Mrc1 or macropinocytosis for delivery. Our research may provide new insights for how we can improve therapies delivered to cells using Mrc1 or macropinocytosis.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

CRISPR (Genetics)
Macrophages.
Endocytosis.
Pinocytosis.

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

119

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Recommended Citation

Wollman, Jared, "CRISPR/Cas9 Whole Genome Screens Reveal Novel Regulators of Endocytic Processes in Macrophages" (2020). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5007.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/5007