Droplet-based forward genetic screening of astrocyte-microglia cross-talk

摘要

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).