FunGenES

FunGenES maps gene expression and functional-genomic relationships underlying embryonic stem cell (ES) differentiation in the mouse model.

Key Features:

• Gene Expression Profiling and Functional Screens: Employs gene expression profiling alongside functional screens to identify gene subsets active in pluripotent, lineage-committed, and differentiated ES cell states.
• Developmental Pathway Mapping: Provides an atlas mapping genes across ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm pathways and their roles in early and late mammalian development.
• Data Organization: Organizes experimental results into six clusters to streamline targeted data mining of ES cell developmental stages.
• Mouse Model Utilization: Leverages mouse embryonic stem cells for their resemblance to human pluripotent cells, enabling differentiation through major developmental pathways and facilitating genetic engineering approaches.

Scientific Applications:

• Understanding Pluripotency: Identifies gene subsets that define the self-renewing and pluripotent state of ES cells.
• Lineage Commitment and Differentiation Studies: Examines regulatory transitions that govern commitment and differentiation between developmental states.
• Translational Research: Enables translation of findings from mouse ES cells to human ES cell biology and stem cell–based therapeutic research.

Methodology:

Integration of gene expression profiling with functional genomic screens using mouse embryonic stem cells to map gene activity across pluripotent, lineage-committed, and differentiated stages.