Funded Projects

We found a novel method for the conversion of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) from primed state to naïve state. These naïve hPSCs have all known properties of mouse embryonic stem cells that can be ethically tested. In this collaborative project, we will understand the mechanism of this epigenetic conversion by examining changes in transcriptome and DNA methylation. Dr. Feng will generate isogenic pairs of naïve and primed hPSCs. Dr. Buck and Dr. Liu will use RNAseq, ATACseq, CHIPseq to examine coordinated changes in the genome and correlate them to changes in DNA methylation. The goal is to build a bioinformatics pipeline to systematically understand epigenetic constraints of naïve pluripotency in human. Key targets identified in the project will be tested in the epigenetic conversion. The collaboration will lead to multi-PI R01 applications on this important topic.