Identifying genes involved in stem cell fate specification

Pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), can be used as a model system to study the molecular basis of fate-specification during early mammalian development. They can also be used to derive various types of cells for disease modeling, drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and environmental health sciences. To fully realize these potentials of pluripotent stem cells, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate the pluripotent state. We have previously carried out a genome-wide RNAi screen in mouse ESCs and identified a list of novel factors that are important for pluripotency maintenance. Among them, we are currently investigating the function of the Ccr4-Not mRNA deadenylase complex and the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex in ESCs, somatic cell reprogramming, and mouse development using biochemical, genetic, genomic and single cell analysis approaches. In addition, we are developing new genetic and genomic methods to identify and probe genes involved in stem cell fate specification. We are applying these methods in pluripotent and germline stem cells to better understand the maintenance, transition, resolution, and re-establishment of the pluripotent state.