Cell-cell interactions in the central nervous system play important roles in neurologic diseases. However, little is known about the specific molecular pathways involved, and methods for their systematic identification are limited. Here, we developed a forward genetic screening platform that combines CRISPR-Cas9 perturbations, cell coculture in picoliter droplets, and microfluidic-based fluorescence-activated droplet sorting to identify mechanisms of cell-cell communication. We used SPEAC-seq (systematic perturbation of encapsulated associated cells followed by sequencing), in combination with in vivo genetic perturbations, to identify microglia-produced amphiregulin as a suppressor of disease-promoting astrocyte responses in multiple sclerosis preclinical models and clinical samples. Thus, SPEAC-seq enables the high-throughput systematic identification of cell-cell communication mechanisms.
Institut(e)Research Unit Type 1 Diabetes Immunology (TDI)
FörderungenBasic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) - Ministry of Education Women's Brain Initiative at Brigham and Women's Hospital Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience at Brigham and Women's Hospital Dana-Farber Cancer Institute International Progressive MS Alliance American Cancer Society NMSS NIH
EMBO postdoctoral fellowship Crohn's and Colitis Foundation NRF of Korea EFSD/JDRF/Lilly Programme on Type 1 Diabetes Research 2020 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Research Division (TDI) at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen Excellence Program for Outstanding Female Scientists from the Helmholtz Association Canadian Foundation for Innovation Canada Institute of Health Research FRQS/MSSC Partnership Award Ministry of Education