CRISPR Interference-Based Platform for Multimodal Genetic Screens in Human iPSC-Derived Neurons.

ABSTRACT: CRISPR/Cas9-based functional genomics have transformed our ability to elucidate mammalian cell biology. However, most previous CRISPR-based screens were conducted in cancer cell lines rather than healthy, differentiated cells. Here, we describe a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-based platform for genetic screens in human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We demonstrate robust and durable knockdown of endogenous genes in such neurons and present results from three complementary genetic screens. First, a survival-based screen revealed neuron-specific essential genes and genes that improved neuronal survival upon knockdown. Second, a screen with a single-cell transcriptomic readout uncovered several examples of genes whose knockdown had strikingly cell-type-specific c

SUBMITTER: Tian R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6813890 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature