Project description:To search for factors regulating neuronal differentiation, we performed a genome-wide loss-of-function CRISPR/Cas9 screen in haploid human ESCs. The regulators were identified by the quantification of depletion of their mutant clones within a pooled loss-of-function library upon neuronal differentiation.
Project description:We performed a FACS-based genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen in primary murine macrophages to identify regulators of efferocytosis, the phagocytic clearance of dying cells. The screen identified known and novel regulators of macrophage efferocytosis. More broadly, the screen approach can be applied to interrogate complex functional phenotypes in primary macrophages.
Project description:Proinsulin is the precursor of insulin in pancreatic beta cells. Altered proinsulin and proinsulin to insulin ratio mark beta cell dysfunction, predictuing disease progression into type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Of essential role for beta cell function, knowledge about proinsulin production and its role in disease are currently very limited. Using genome wide CRISPR screen, we identified 84 proinsulin regulators including classical protein convertases Pcsk1 and Cpe, and novel factors like Pdia6. Among the list 29 proinsulin regulators were trajectory genes involved in disease progression in obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. In vivo mouse genetics study revealed unique genetic architecture and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) modulating plasma proinsulin levels. Integrative analyzing and mapping of the QTL signals directly pinpointed to proinsulin regulators identified from the CRISPR screen, which in return greatly improved resolution of the mouse genetic study. 4 out of 5 overlapped genes can be individually validated. Knocking down the leading hits Pdia6 leads to decreased proinsulin content and remarkable loss of proinsulin granules in beta cells. Consequently, proinsulin secretion was greatly decreased. Mechanistically, protein translation rate was greatly impaired after knocking down Pdia6. Our study demonstrated the power of combining in vitro functional genomics with in vivo mouse genetics study to identify proinsulin regulatory network in pancreatic beta cells.
Project description:A genome-wide CRISPR screen was combined with a tdTomato reporter-based epigenetic memory assay to identify factors that erase epigenetic memory in ESC. After introducing genome wide perturbation and dCas9::KRAB-mediated epigenetic editing of the Esg1-tdTomato reporter, the trigger was released and cells that maintained the silencing sorted at FACS. Samples were collected out of sorted tdTomato negative (TOMminus) and positive (TOMplus) cells after 6 days of DOX treatment (epigenetic editing) and 3 or 7 days of DOX washout (release of the trigger), using a gating strategy to separate the bottom 2.5% negative cells (2.5%gate) and cells ranging from mildly to fully repressed (widegate).