Researchers have developed the first genome-scale map of gene function in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)—adult cells reprogrammed into an embryonic-like state that can differentiate into virtually any cell type, including heart, muscle, skin, and bone cells. This reference map addresses a major gap in understanding, as the functions of many human genes within these cells remain largely unknown.

To create this resource, scientists used CRISPR technology to systematically deactivate 11,692 expressed genes one at a time and analyzed the resulting changes in gene activity across more than 2.5 million single cells.

By integrating these data, the researchers identified groups of genes and cellular components with shared functions and molecular characteristics. This approach revealed previously unknown genes involved in metabolism and stem cell self-renewal, while also uncovering new regulators of cellular behavior.

One notable discovery was the identification of the DBR1 gene as a key regulator of RNA editing, specifically the conversion of adenosine to inosine, a process important for normal cellular function.

The research team believes this open-access resource will accelerate biomedical discovery by helping scientists rapidly investigate gene functions and identify promising targets for directing stem cells into specific cell types.

According to co-first author Yesh Doctor, the map serves as a "hypothesis engine," allowing researchers to explore gene functions and generate new research ideas without needing to perform large-scale experiments themselves.

Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260713/New-genetic-reference-map-accelerates-human-stem-cell-research.aspx