In embryonic stem cells, scientists found that genes link pluripotency and apoptosis resistance

The gene network of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has been found to serve two purposes at the same time

Researchers use genome-wide genetic screening to overexpress and inactivate ("knock out") thousands of genes that control the proliferation and differentiation of embryonic stem cells into the three germ layers

The details of this work were published in the October 28th issue of "Genes and Development" in an article titled "Comprehensive Loss of Function and Acquisition Screen Defines a Core Network for Managing Human Embryonic Stem Cell Behavior"

The author of the article wrote: "We found that the chromatin modification complex SAGA, especially its subunit TADA2B, is a central regulator of pluripotency, survival, growth and lineage regulation

As the progenitor cells of pluripotent cells of every cell type in the body, hesc is a core interest of developmental and regeneration biologists

In the current study, researchers in Dr.

The screening experiment included knocking out approximately 18,000 genes and overexpressing 12,000 genes

These interrelated behaviors are especially evident in the pluripotent modulators called SAGA complexes

In addition to providing a new perspective on the genetic basis of cancer, the research's high-throughput genetic screening method may provide information for future work in regenerative biology

"To clarify how the function of hESC is controlled by genetics is essential for our understanding of developmental biology and regenerative medicine," said co-corresponding author Stephen Elledge, Ph.

"Genetic screening provides an excellent opportunity to explore how genetic networks promote related cell behaviors, such as growth, differentiation, and survival," added Nakserova, who is now the Center for Systems Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital Assistant Professor