Mapping Gene Circuits Essential for Germ Layer Differentiation via Loss-of-Function Screens in Haploid Human Embryonic Stem Cells.

Cell Stem Cell

The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel. Electronic address:

Published: October 2020

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study identifies essential genes necessary for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into the three primary embryonic germ layers, using a comprehensive genome-wide analysis.
  • A significant number of these essential genes are linked to plasma membrane functions, indicating important signaling pathways involved in the differentiation process.
  • The research also reveals a connection between microcephaly-related genes and their essential roles in neural differentiation, along with the identification of key transcription factors and other gene types important for the transition out of pluripotency.

Article Abstract

Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into all embryonic germ layers, yet the genes essential for these cell fate transitions in human remain elusive. Here, we mapped the essential genes for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into the three germ layers by using a genome-wide loss-of-function library established in haploid hPSCs. Strikingly, we observed a high fraction of essential genes associated with plasma membrane, highlighting signaling pathways needed for each lineage differentiation. Interestingly, analysis of all hereditary neurological disorders uncovered high essentiality among microcephaly-causing genes. Furthermore, we demonstrated lineage-specific hierarchies among essential transcription factors and a set of Golgi- and endoplasmic reticulum-related genes needed for the differentiation into all germ layers. Our work sheds light on the gene networks regulating early gastrulation events in human by defining essential drivers of specific embryonic germ layer fates and essential genes for the exit from pluripotency.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2020.06.023DOI Listing

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