Single cell transcriptional perturbome in pluripotent stem cell models

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Abstract
Functional genomics screens in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) remain challenging despite their transformative potential. We developed iPS2-seq: an inducible, clone-aware screening platform that enables phenotype-agnostic, single-cell resolved dissection of loss-of-function effects in hiPSC derivatives, including complex multicellular models such as organoids. iPS2-seq distinguishes true perturbation effects from genetic and epigenetic variability. It supports pooled and arrayed formats, integrates with microfluidic or split-pool single-cell RNA sequencing, and extends to multi-omic profiling of chromatin and proteins. A dedicated pipeline, catcheR , streamlines design and analysis. The platform enables stage-specific follow-up dissection of screen hits. We demonstrate this by targeting congenital heart disease-associated genes in monolayer cardiomyocytes and organoids. This reveals that epigenetic neuroectodermal priming interferes with germ layer differentiation in specific clones. Accounting for this bias, we show that SMAD2 controls cardiac progenitor specification, with knockdown redirecting cells toward fibroblast and epicardial fates. iPS2-seq unlocks rigorous functional genomics in hiPSC-based models.
Funding Information
  • University of Washington (Innovation Pilot Award 2019)
  • Giovanni Armenise-Harvard Foundation (Career Development Award 2021)
  • Additional Ventures (Single Ventricle Research Fund 2022)
  • HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council (101076026)

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