Revised CRISPR Approach Maps Out Each Human Gene's Functional Role
In a groundbreaking study led by MIT Professor Jonathan Weissman, researchers have developed the first comprehensive functional map of genes that are expressed in human cells. This extraordinary research, entitled "Primary functional analysis of the human transcriptome reveals pervasive cell-by-cell variation," was published online June 9 in the esteemed journal Cell.
The map identifies each gene's role in the cell and marks a watershed moment, nearly 20 years after the completion of the Human Genome Project. The data from this project is now available for scientists worldwide to utilize in their quest for discovery. Interviewed on the significance of this resource, Weissman described it as "a big resource in the way the human genome is a big resource, in that you can go in and do discovery-based research."
The team exploited the innovative Perturb-seq method, which offers unparalleled depth in following the impact of turning genes on or off. First published by a group of researchers, including Weissman and fellow MIT professor Aviv Regev, in 2016, Perturb-seq was initially limited to small sets of genes and high cost. However, collaborative efforts led by Joseph Replogle, an MD-PhD student in Weissman's lab, achieved the monumental feat of scaling Perturb-seq to encompass the entire genome.
Perturb-seq operates by using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to introduce genetic changes into cells, and then capturing information about the resulting RNAs through single-cell RNA sequencing. Due to RNAs controlling all aspects of how cells behave, this method sheds light on the many cellular effects of genetic changes.
The researchers used this sequencing method to explore a range of biological questions, delving into everything from the cellular effects of genes with unknown functions to the response of mitochondria to stress. They also conducted the first genome-wide screen for factors that are required for the correct segregation of DNA, thus unveiling a new dimension in the understanding of genetic mutations and their consequences.
In essence, this groundbreaking research offers an unprecedented opportunity for scientists to unravel the mysteries of human genetics, paving the way for a new era of scientific discovery and breakthroughs.
- This functional map of genes, developed by researchers led by MIT Professor Jonathan Weissman, is significant for biotech and science communities as it's now available worldwide for researchers to utilize in their research on health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, and biology.
- The article titled "Primary functional analysis of the human transcriptome reveals pervasive cell-by-cell variation," published in Cell on June 9, provides pressing news for the scientific realm, offering a deeper understanding of technology's impact on the functioning of human cells.
- The team led by Weissman utilized the Perturb-seq method, initially published by a group that included Weissman and fellow MIT professor Aviv Regev, to study various biological questions, such as cellular effects of genes with unknown functions and the response of mitochondria to stress.
- Graduate student Joseph Replogle, working under Weissman, achieved a monumental feat by scaling Perturb-seq to encompass the entire genome, paving the way for more efficient research in biotech and medicine.
- The Perturb-seq method, which uses CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and single-cell RNA sequencing, allows researchers to explore various aspects of cell behavior, contributing to the advancement of health-and-wellness and medical treatments.
