PROJECT SUMMARY
This NIH F31 grant application presents a comprehensive four-year plan designed to facilitate the professional
development of Morgan Greene, the Principal Investigator, and equip her with the necessary skills to pursue
an independent career as a physician-scientist. The research project's overarching goal is to unravel the
transcriptomic programs driving the development of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells (Aim 1), which are essential
for successful pregnancy establishment and maintenance. Additionally, the study will explore the factors that
influence uNK cell differentiation into decidual natural killer (dNK) cells, a process critical to determining the
pregnancy's health. Employing advanced techniques such as transcriptome-wide association studies, single-
cell RNA sequencing, incubation assays, and flow-cytometry, the project's primary objective is to identify the
transcriptional programs that underlie uNK cell differentiation from peripheral blood cells into dNK cells. The
ultimate objective is to apply these findings to develop clinical tools that guide treatment strategies for
pathological reproduction, infertility, and miscarriage, ultimately leading to improved reproductive health
outcomes.
The proposed training plan for Morgan Greene is supported by her project mentor, Dr. Paige Porrett, and co-
sponsored by Dr. James George, and aims to establish a strong foundation for a successful career as a
physician-scientist. The project-based translational approach offers an ideal training environment, with
experiences designed to enhance Morgan's development in three key areas: 1) rigorous research in
reproductive immunology, encompassing literature review, data evaluation, and responsible research conduct;
2) training in genetic sequencing and bioinformatics; and 3) career and professional development, including
manuscript and grant writing, scientific communication, and translation of research outcomes to clinical
applications. This proposal is designed to equip the PI with the advanced immunology skills necessary for a
career focused on precision medicine and reproductive health outcomes as an obstetrics and gynecology
physician-scientist, and drive the development of rigorous scientific research in reproductive immunology.