Bulk RNAseq analysis of control and Carm1 KO CD8 T cells

The overall goal of this study was to understand the change in antigen-stimulated gene expression in CD8 T cells upon ablation of a transcriptional coactivator Carm1 by CRISPR-Cas9 method. Seven days following editing, OT-I CD8 T cells were co-cultured for 24 hours with B16F10-Ova tumor cells. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated changes in gene expression, including upregulation of 1,143 genes and downregulation of 1,199 genes in Carm1 KO compared to control T cells. Upregulated genes encoded chemokine receptors that mediate T cell recruitment into tumors (Cxcr3) and key genes required for maintenance of memory T cell populations (transcription factor genes Tcf7, Myb, Bcl6; surface receptor Cd27). Downregulated genes included those associated with terminal differentiation (Klrg1), inhibition of cytokine signaling (Socs1, Socs3) and T cell dysfunction within tumors (Egr2, Eomes). Overall design: Examination of transcripts associated with control and Carm1 KO OT-I cells: SK0*-A*: WT OT-I CD8 T cells co-cultured with B16F10-Ova tumor cells SK0*-B*: Carm1 KO OT-I CD8 T cells co-cultured with B16F10-Ova tumor cells