The INK4 locus is considered as a hot-spot region for the complex genetic disorders, including cancer, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary artery disease (CAD). By CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we generated a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line (HMGUi001-A-5) deleting an 8 kb genomic DNA encompassing six T2D-associated SNPs at the INK4 locus. The resulting hiPSC line revealed a normal karyotype, preserved pluripotency and was able to differentiate towards germ layers, endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. Thus, the HMGUi001-A-5 line could provide a valuable cellular model to explore the molecular mechanisms linking these SNPs to T2D and other genetic disorders.
GrantsDeutsches Zentrum fur Diabetesforschung (DZD) Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (Helmholtz Portfolio Theme 'Metabolic Dysfunction and Common Disease) Iran Ministry of Science and Technology (Tarbiat Modares University)