Professor Jo Morris

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Professor Jo Morris is a molecular geneticist whose research investigates how cells preserve the integrity of their DNA; a process central not only to cancer prevention but also to how the immune system functions and responds to stress. Her group studies how DNA repair proteins, particularly BRCA1 and the small protein modifiers ubiquitin and SUMO, coordinate genome maintenance in chromatin. These same pathways influence how immune cells undergo rapid DNA replication and diversification, such as during antibody gene rearrangement and class-switch recombination, processes that deliberately create DNA breaks to generate immune diversity.

Her recent work has uncovered how BRCA1, SUMO, and ubiquitin control DNA break repair and replication fork stability. These mechanisms, when dysregulated, can lead to genome instability, cancer predisposition, or inappropriate immune activation. For a prospective PhD student, Jo’s lab offers the opportunity to explore how DNA repair and replication stress intersect with immune cell biology, using advanced approaches such as CRISPR screening, proteomics, and live-cell imaging. The group provides an inclusive, collaborative environment, ideal for students interested in how genome stability underpins both cancer biology and immune system function.

Scientific Inspiration

Jo credits her parents for sparking her scientific imagination, both inventive and practical. They encouraged her to explore how things fit and function, whether through tinkering in the shed or constructing elaborate Lego designs, which nurtured her fascination with how complex systems can be built from simple parts. She approaches the repair of DNA as both a problem in biological engineering and a story of cellular resilience, exploring how life’s molecular machines protect the genome, sustain health, and sometimes go awry in cancer and immunity.

Research Groups

School of Medical Sciences

Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive and student-centred; curiosity- and enthusiasm-driven.

Provision of Training

I move from structured guidance to expecting independent, postdoc-like development as the PhD progresses.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We will always work together to agree on a clear plan of action. I encourage you to take ownership of your project, but I am here to help whenever you need support or troubleshooting. I appreciate regular updates and would like to see progress and results on a weekly basis. I have high expectations and I will support and challenge you so that you can reach your full potential.

Communication

You’re always welcome to drop by my office or call if I’m away. We use a WhatsApp group to keep in touch about lab matters (and sometimes socials). I’m happy to talk about anything that might affect your progress or wellbeing. I may email at weekends, but I do not expect you to do the same.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Hidden Guardians: How Chromatin Structure Shapes the Body’s First Line of Defence

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Hidden Guardians: How Chromatin Structure Shapes the Body’s First Line of Defence

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Alexiane Decout

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology)

Project Outline

Every cell contains two metres of DNA, all packed into the nucleus. DNA is wrapped around proteins to form chromatin, which can be tightly compacted (closed) or loosely packed (open), depending on whether the cell needs to read that part of the genome.

Recent evidence suggests that this packaging doesn’t just organise DNA — it may also influence how cells defend themselves.

Cells rely on their innate immune system as a first line of defence against viruses and other invaders. A central part of this defence is the ability to detect “misplaced” DNA — for example, viral DNA in the cytoplasm. Detection triggers the production of interferons, alarm signals that activate hundreds of protective genes. To prevent false alarms, cells use nucleases to chop up stray DNA.

This project asks:

How does the way DNA is packaged (chromatin compaction) influence how strongly cells mount an interferon response?

To investigate this, you’ll use:

• ATAC-seq & RNA-seq: to measure which parts of the genome are open/closed, and which genes are switched on when chromatin is decompacted.

• Recombinant DNA tools: to engineer the DNA sensor and identify which DNA fragments interact with it.

• Fluorescent microscopy: to track nuclear integrityand chromatin changes in living cells.

• Western blotting & depletion assays: to analyse activation of the cGAS–STING pathway, the central DNA-sensing mechanism.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in molecular biology, imaging, and bioinformatics, and help answer a fundamental question at the crossroads of genome biology and immunology: does nuclear organisation itself set the stage for how cells fight infection?

APPLY HERE