Rhys Morgan
@rhysmorganlab.bsky.social
Associate Professor of Cancer Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex.
Co-Director Sussex Blood Cancer Research, LMRUK Research Committee, Anthony Nolan stem cell donor and WntUK Co-Founder.
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/morganlab
Co-Director Sussex Blood Cancer Research, LMRUK Research Committee, Anthony Nolan stem cell donor and WntUK Co-Founder.
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/morganlab
Well done to Drs Hyun Park and Aaron Goff from @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social @bsmsmedschool.bsky.social @sussexbcr.bsky.social who’ve both had abstracts accepted for presentation at the @ash.hematology.org 2025 meeting in December, and been awarded ASH achievement awards!
See you in Orlando! 🇺🇸
See you in Orlando! 🇺🇸
November 7, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Well done to Drs Hyun Park and Aaron Goff from @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social @bsmsmedschool.bsky.social @sussexbcr.bsky.social who’ve both had abstracts accepted for presentation at the @ash.hematology.org 2025 meeting in December, and been awarded ASH achievement awards!
See you in Orlando! 🇺🇸
See you in Orlando! 🇺🇸
Presenting PhD #4 from our group and it’s our first Dr Dr! 🙌🍾 🎉
Many congratulations Clinical Fellow Hyun Park on his successful PhD defence yesterday. Wishing him all the best in his clinical ACF post in Reading/Oxford.
Thanks @ethanlmorgan.bsky.social & Prof Yang Shi for PhD thesis examination!
Many congratulations Clinical Fellow Hyun Park on his successful PhD defence yesterday. Wishing him all the best in his clinical ACF post in Reading/Oxford.
Thanks @ethanlmorgan.bsky.social & Prof Yang Shi for PhD thesis examination!
September 17, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Presenting PhD #4 from our group and it’s our first Dr Dr! 🙌🍾 🎉
Many congratulations Clinical Fellow Hyun Park on his successful PhD defence yesterday. Wishing him all the best in his clinical ACF post in Reading/Oxford.
Thanks @ethanlmorgan.bsky.social & Prof Yang Shi for PhD thesis examination!
Many congratulations Clinical Fellow Hyun Park on his successful PhD defence yesterday. Wishing him all the best in his clinical ACF post in Reading/Oxford.
Thanks @ethanlmorgan.bsky.social & Prof Yang Shi for PhD thesis examination!
Huge pleasure for me and Tim Chevassut to host Prof Yang Shi from @ludwigcancer.bsky.social @ox.ac.uk for a @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social @bsmsmedschool.bsky.social research seminar on his pioneering work dual targeting LSD1 and GSK in AML, and epigenetic dysregulation in diffuse midline glioma.
September 17, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Huge pleasure for me and Tim Chevassut to host Prof Yang Shi from @ludwigcancer.bsky.social @ox.ac.uk for a @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social @bsmsmedschool.bsky.social research seminar on his pioneering work dual targeting LSD1 and GSK in AML, and epigenetic dysregulation in diffuse midline glioma.
Finally, given the well documented roles of both MSI2 and LEF1 in regulating HSPC, we hypothesised it could be an axis utilised by MSI2 to maintain human HSPC growth and survival.
Genetic repression of LEF-1 suppressed the MSI2-mediated expansion of cord blood derived human CD34+ HSPCs.
11/
Genetic repression of LEF-1 suppressed the MSI2-mediated expansion of cord blood derived human CD34+ HSPCs.
11/
April 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Finally, given the well documented roles of both MSI2 and LEF1 in regulating HSPC, we hypothesised it could be an axis utilised by MSI2 to maintain human HSPC growth and survival.
Genetic repression of LEF-1 suppressed the MSI2-mediated expansion of cord blood derived human CD34+ HSPCs.
11/
Genetic repression of LEF-1 suppressed the MSI2-mediated expansion of cord blood derived human CD34+ HSPCs.
11/
Given MSI2 regulated LEF1 expression (protein and mRNA), and functions as an RBP, we hypothesised that MSI2 may directly interact with the LEF1 transcript.
Using both MSI2 RIP and MSI2 CLIP we confirmed a direct MSI2:LEF1 interaction and showed β-catenin may influence the degree of binding.
10/
Using both MSI2 RIP and MSI2 CLIP we confirmed a direct MSI2:LEF1 interaction and showed β-catenin may influence the degree of binding.
10/
April 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Given MSI2 regulated LEF1 expression (protein and mRNA), and functions as an RBP, we hypothesised that MSI2 may directly interact with the LEF1 transcript.
Using both MSI2 RIP and MSI2 CLIP we confirmed a direct MSI2:LEF1 interaction and showed β-catenin may influence the degree of binding.
10/
Using both MSI2 RIP and MSI2 CLIP we confirmed a direct MSI2:LEF1 interaction and showed β-catenin may influence the degree of binding.
10/
We next investigated whether MSI2 could impact β-catenin activity/expression in myeloid leukaemia cells.
MSI2 influenced Wnt signalling (TCF/LEF) output but to our surprise this was not through modulating β-catenin expression, but rather through regulation of the Wnt transcription factor LEF-1.
9/
MSI2 influenced Wnt signalling (TCF/LEF) output but to our surprise this was not through modulating β-catenin expression, but rather through regulation of the Wnt transcription factor LEF-1.
9/
April 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
We next investigated whether MSI2 could impact β-catenin activity/expression in myeloid leukaemia cells.
MSI2 influenced Wnt signalling (TCF/LEF) output but to our surprise this was not through modulating β-catenin expression, but rather through regulation of the Wnt transcription factor LEF-1.
9/
MSI2 influenced Wnt signalling (TCF/LEF) output but to our surprise this was not through modulating β-catenin expression, but rather through regulation of the Wnt transcription factor LEF-1.
9/
We confirmed frequent co-expression and correlation of β-catenin and MSI2 across myeloid cell lines and primary AML patient samples.
Furthermore, we confirmed the β-catenin:MSI2 interaction was present in a primary AML patient sample, implying the interaction may be clinically relevant.
8/
Furthermore, we confirmed the β-catenin:MSI2 interaction was present in a primary AML patient sample, implying the interaction may be clinically relevant.
8/
April 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
We confirmed frequent co-expression and correlation of β-catenin and MSI2 across myeloid cell lines and primary AML patient samples.
Furthermore, we confirmed the β-catenin:MSI2 interaction was present in a primary AML patient sample, implying the interaction may be clinically relevant.
8/
Furthermore, we confirmed the β-catenin:MSI2 interaction was present in a primary AML patient sample, implying the interaction may be clinically relevant.
8/
If β-catenin doesn't bind mRNA direct then how? We predicted through its many canonical RBP partners.
We confirmed an interaction with Musashi-2 (MSI2), a well established RBP that maintains normal HSPC and drives the development of aggressive myeloid leukaemias.
nature.com/articles/nm....
7/
We confirmed an interaction with Musashi-2 (MSI2), a well established RBP that maintains normal HSPC and drives the development of aggressive myeloid leukaemias.
nature.com/articles/nm....
7/
April 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
If β-catenin doesn't bind mRNA direct then how? We predicted through its many canonical RBP partners.
We confirmed an interaction with Musashi-2 (MSI2), a well established RBP that maintains normal HSPC and drives the development of aggressive myeloid leukaemias.
nature.com/articles/nm....
7/
We confirmed an interaction with Musashi-2 (MSI2), a well established RBP that maintains normal HSPC and drives the development of aggressive myeloid leukaemias.
nature.com/articles/nm....
7/
β-Catenin lacks any canonical RNA binding motifs, however previous reports have linked it, and armadillo domains, with RNA binding.
Through β-catenin RIP we saw consistent mRNA enrichment, however through β-catenin CLIP we saw no mRNA enrichment suggesting mRNA interactions are not direct.
6/
Through β-catenin RIP we saw consistent mRNA enrichment, however through β-catenin CLIP we saw no mRNA enrichment suggesting mRNA interactions are not direct.
6/
April 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
β-Catenin lacks any canonical RNA binding motifs, however previous reports have linked it, and armadillo domains, with RNA binding.
Through β-catenin RIP we saw consistent mRNA enrichment, however through β-catenin CLIP we saw no mRNA enrichment suggesting mRNA interactions are not direct.
6/
Through β-catenin RIP we saw consistent mRNA enrichment, however through β-catenin CLIP we saw no mRNA enrichment suggesting mRNA interactions are not direct.
6/
Leading to the current study, we hypothesised that its frequent interaction with RBPs might mean a novel role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in myeloid leukaemia cells.
We isolated hundreds of mRNAs bound with β-catenin including Wnt signalling (and metabolism) mRNAs!
5/
We isolated hundreds of mRNAs bound with β-catenin including Wnt signalling (and metabolism) mRNAs!
5/
April 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Leading to the current study, we hypothesised that its frequent interaction with RBPs might mean a novel role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in myeloid leukaemia cells.
We isolated hundreds of mRNAs bound with β-catenin including Wnt signalling (and metabolism) mRNAs!
5/
We isolated hundreds of mRNAs bound with β-catenin including Wnt signalling (and metabolism) mRNAs!
5/
In solid tissues β-catenin is sequestered to the adherens junctions where it mediates tight cell-cell adhesion.
However such adhesion structures are not as prominent in a fluid tissue like blood, meaning large pools of β-catenin can participate in other activities in haematopoietic cells.
4/
However such adhesion structures are not as prominent in a fluid tissue like blood, meaning large pools of β-catenin can participate in other activities in haematopoietic cells.
4/
April 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
In solid tissues β-catenin is sequestered to the adherens junctions where it mediates tight cell-cell adhesion.
However such adhesion structures are not as prominent in a fluid tissue like blood, meaning large pools of β-catenin can participate in other activities in haematopoietic cells.
4/
However such adhesion structures are not as prominent in a fluid tissue like blood, meaning large pools of β-catenin can participate in other activities in haematopoietic cells.
4/
Drugging β-catenin in leukaemia requires a better understanding of its protein interaction network in haematopoietic cells.
Our 2019 study in Haematologica journal revealed novel interaction partners for β-catenin including many RNA-binding proteins (RBP).
haematologica.org/article/view...
3/
Our 2019 study in Haematologica journal revealed novel interaction partners for β-catenin including many RNA-binding proteins (RBP).
haematologica.org/article/view...
3/
April 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Drugging β-catenin in leukaemia requires a better understanding of its protein interaction network in haematopoietic cells.
Our 2019 study in Haematologica journal revealed novel interaction partners for β-catenin including many RNA-binding proteins (RBP).
haematologica.org/article/view...
3/
Our 2019 study in Haematologica journal revealed novel interaction partners for β-catenin including many RNA-binding proteins (RBP).
haematologica.org/article/view...
3/
Major congrats to Dr#3 from our group Okan Sevim who passed his PhD viva yesterday.
A super talented researcher, it’s been a privilege to serve as Okan’s supervisor from MSc to PhD in @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social @sussex.ac.uk
Many thanks to examiners @mitchell.science & @mardakheh.bsky.social
A super talented researcher, it’s been a privilege to serve as Okan’s supervisor from MSc to PhD in @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social @sussex.ac.uk
Many thanks to examiners @mitchell.science & @mardakheh.bsky.social
April 10, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Major congrats to Dr#3 from our group Okan Sevim who passed his PhD viva yesterday.
A super talented researcher, it’s been a privilege to serve as Okan’s supervisor from MSc to PhD in @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social @sussex.ac.uk
Many thanks to examiners @mitchell.science & @mardakheh.bsky.social
A super talented researcher, it’s been a privilege to serve as Okan’s supervisor from MSc to PhD in @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social @sussex.ac.uk
Many thanks to examiners @mitchell.science & @mardakheh.bsky.social
Really enjoyed #WNTUK2025 at @ox.ac.uk in beautiful Worcester College today. Excellent program of research talks and posters put together by @michaelranes.bsky.social and @oxfordcancer.bsky.social representing all themes, career stages and gender/diversity of @wntuk.bsky.social research. 👊
March 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Really enjoyed #WNTUK2025 at @ox.ac.uk in beautiful Worcester College today. Excellent program of research talks and posters put together by @michaelranes.bsky.social and @oxfordcancer.bsky.social representing all themes, career stages and gender/diversity of @wntuk.bsky.social research. 👊
First brew with the new @sussexcancer.org merch.
March 13, 2025 at 1:28 PM
First brew with the new @sussexcancer.org merch.
Presenting Dr #2 from our group Dr Samuel Olaitan TET-funded student from Lagos State University. Been a pleasure watching you grow and develop as a scientist in your time with us.
Many thanks Dr Coles @worcesteruni.bsky.social & Prof Crickmore @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social for examiner duties.
Many thanks Dr Coles @worcesteruni.bsky.social & Prof Crickmore @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social for examiner duties.
March 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Presenting Dr #2 from our group Dr Samuel Olaitan TET-funded student from Lagos State University. Been a pleasure watching you grow and develop as a scientist in your time with us.
Many thanks Dr Coles @worcesteruni.bsky.social & Prof Crickmore @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social for examiner duties.
Many thanks Dr Coles @worcesteruni.bsky.social & Prof Crickmore @biochembiomeduos.bsky.social for examiner duties.
After 4 years of dominance I am officially dethroned as the cord blood champion.
Dr Aaron Goff was confirmed the 2024 winner with a whopper at 2.8% giving 1.6 million stem cells in his first year learning cord blood processing.
Beginners luck or nailed on for 2025…?
Dr Aaron Goff was confirmed the 2024 winner with a whopper at 2.8% giving 1.6 million stem cells in his first year learning cord blood processing.
Beginners luck or nailed on for 2025…?
February 5, 2025 at 12:38 PM
After 4 years of dominance I am officially dethroned as the cord blood champion.
Dr Aaron Goff was confirmed the 2024 winner with a whopper at 2.8% giving 1.6 million stem cells in his first year learning cord blood processing.
Beginners luck or nailed on for 2025…?
Dr Aaron Goff was confirmed the 2024 winner with a whopper at 2.8% giving 1.6 million stem cells in his first year learning cord blood processing.
Beginners luck or nailed on for 2025…?
…..aaaaaand now we try and get home.
January 8, 2025 at 7:30 PM
…..aaaaaand now we try and get home.
40th donation of A+ in the bank today for Christmas 💪 🎄
December 27, 2024 at 5:03 PM
40th donation of A+ in the bank today for Christmas 💪 🎄
Bravo to our excellent students who gave superb short talks at the @sussexuni.bsky.social Life Sciences Biochem final year PhD symposium yesterday!
Well done George Hooper from Wright lab Stephen Robinson from Giamas lab Nickolas Sideris from Castellano lab and Michael Brennan from the Waddell lab!
Well done George Hooper from Wright lab Stephen Robinson from Giamas lab Nickolas Sideris from Castellano lab and Michael Brennan from the Waddell lab!
December 7, 2024 at 10:52 AM
Bravo to our excellent students who gave superb short talks at the @sussexuni.bsky.social Life Sciences Biochem final year PhD symposium yesterday!
Well done George Hooper from Wright lab Stephen Robinson from Giamas lab Nickolas Sideris from Castellano lab and Michael Brennan from the Waddell lab!
Well done George Hooper from Wright lab Stephen Robinson from Giamas lab Nickolas Sideris from Castellano lab and Michael Brennan from the Waddell lab!
Big congrats to our Research Fellow Dr Megan Wagstaff from SussexLifeSci and Sussex Haematology who has secured her first funding as a lead investigator with a priming award from @sussexcancer.org for targeting Ubiquitin Specific Proteases (USP) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 👏 👏👏 👏
December 4, 2024 at 12:20 AM
Big congrats to our Research Fellow Dr Megan Wagstaff from SussexLifeSci and Sussex Haematology who has secured her first funding as a lead investigator with a priming award from @sussexcancer.org for targeting Ubiquitin Specific Proteases (USP) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 👏 👏👏 👏
Really enjoyed hosting Dr Sophie Kellaway today and hearing about her awesome LeukaemiaUK and LMRUK funded research into transcriptional dysregulation in acute myeloid leukaemia.
Exciting work coming over the next few years targeting ever problematic RUNX mutations in human leukaemia. 👊
Exciting work coming over the next few years targeting ever problematic RUNX mutations in human leukaemia. 👊
November 29, 2024 at 9:37 PM
Really enjoyed hosting Dr Sophie Kellaway today and hearing about her awesome LeukaemiaUK and LMRUK funded research into transcriptional dysregulation in acute myeloid leukaemia.
Exciting work coming over the next few years targeting ever problematic RUNX mutations in human leukaemia. 👊
Exciting work coming over the next few years targeting ever problematic RUNX mutations in human leukaemia. 👊
Few celebratory beers with final year PhD student Okan Sevim tonight to toast some very good news.
Stay tuned for an exciting lab funding update coming soon…. 🤫
Stay tuned for an exciting lab funding update coming soon…. 🤫
November 18, 2024 at 11:41 PM
Few celebratory beers with final year PhD student Okan Sevim tonight to toast some very good news.
Stay tuned for an exciting lab funding update coming soon…. 🤫
Stay tuned for an exciting lab funding update coming soon…. 🤫
We're now on bsky.social! We are a leukaemia research lab of scientists and clinicians based at the School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex.
We study the molecular abnormalities that convert normal blood cells into leukaemia cells.
Meet Hyun, Sam, Okan, Megan, David, Abbie, Aaron and me!🔬🧪🥼
We study the molecular abnormalities that convert normal blood cells into leukaemia cells.
Meet Hyun, Sam, Okan, Megan, David, Abbie, Aaron and me!🔬🧪🥼
November 14, 2024 at 2:24 PM
We're now on bsky.social! We are a leukaemia research lab of scientists and clinicians based at the School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex.
We study the molecular abnormalities that convert normal blood cells into leukaemia cells.
Meet Hyun, Sam, Okan, Megan, David, Abbie, Aaron and me!🔬🧪🥼
We study the molecular abnormalities that convert normal blood cells into leukaemia cells.
Meet Hyun, Sam, Okan, Megan, David, Abbie, Aaron and me!🔬🧪🥼