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Forward steps in organoid-based forward screening
Melissa H Little1, Sara E Howden2
1Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
Abstract:
In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Ungricht et al. (2022) perform a temporally controlled CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-wide screen in kidney organoids to uncover key gene networks important for the specification of kidney cell types from human pluripotent stem cells, thus furthering our understanding of human kidney development and disease.
Insights
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 screening in kidney organoids to identify gene networks crucial for developing human kidney cell types. This study advances understanding of kidney development and related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Human kidney development is complex and not fully understood.
- Kidney organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells offer a model for studying development and disease.
- Identifying key regulatory genes is essential for understanding cell fate specification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To uncover gene networks regulating kidney cell type specification.
- To utilize a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen in kidney organoids.
- To enhance the understanding of human kidney development and disease mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Performed a temporally controlled, genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen.
- Utilized human kidney organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells.
- Analyzed gene networks involved in cell type specification.
Main Results:
- Identified key gene networks essential for specifying distinct kidney cell types.
- Provided temporal control over the CRISPR/Cas9 screening process.
- Established a framework for future functional genomic studies in kidney organoids.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals critical genetic regulators of human kidney cell specification.
- Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of human kidney development.
- This research provides insights into potential targets for kidney disease therapies.
