CRISPR-based functional genomics screening in human-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived cell types

While our knowledge of gene expression in different human cell types is rapidly expanding with advances in transcriptomic profiling technologies, the next challenge is to understand gene function in each cell type. CRISPR-Cas9-based functional genomics screening offers a powerful approach to determine gene function in a high-throughput manner. With the maturation of stem cell technology, a variety of human cell types can be derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Recently, the integration of CRISPR screening with hPSC differentiation technologies opens up unprecedented opportunities to systematically examine gene function in different human cell types and identify mechanisms and therapeutic targets for human diseases. This review highlights recent progress in the development and applications of CRISPR-Cas9-based functional genomics screening in hPSC-derived cell types, discusses current challenges and limitations, and outlines future directions for this emerging field. [Display omitted] Li et al. review recent advances and existing challenges in the development and application of CRISPR-based functional genomics screening in human-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived cell models. This emerging technology holds great potential for systematically examining gene function in various human cell types and identifying mechanisms and therapeutic targets for human diseases. This field will continue to advance with the rapid development of CRISPR technology and stem cell technology.