Cell-intrinsic roles of MORC3 in immune cell development

The immune system protects us by constantly making decisions about how our cells should behave when facing harmful microorganisms. To do this, immune cells must precisely control which genes are switched on or off at any given time. Small changes in how genes are regulated can have major effectssometimes even determining whether a cell survives or dies. Although many key regulators of these decisions have been identified, some of the mechanisms that shape immune cell behavior remain poorly understood. This project focuses on a protein called MORC3, which acts as a regulator of gene activity. Intriguingly, MORC3 is essential for the survival of some immune cell types but not others. Why different immune cells depend on MORC3 in such distinct ways is not known. Understanding these differences will provide insight into how immune cells develop, maintain balance, and respond to challenges. To address this question, the project will use innovative mouse models and advanced molecular biology techniques that allow researchers to switch MORC3 off very rapidly and observe the immediate consequences. This makes it possible to distinguish direct effects from later, secondary changes. By combining these approaches with modern genomic tools, the project aims to identify which genetic switches are controlled by MORC3 in specific immune cell types. A better understanding of MORC3s function may help reveal general principles of how gene regulation guides immune cell development and stability. In the long term, this knowledge could contribute to improved strategies for treating diseases in which gene regulation or immune balance is disturbed, including inflammatory disorders, immune deficiencies, and certain blood-related conditions. The project therefore aims to generate fundamental insights into how the immune system maintains its delicate equilibrium.