CHROMNESS

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) open avenues for the development of new technologies in veterinary medicine and animal production. However, the efficiency of iPSC reprogramming remains low, especially in livestock. Additionally, the iPSC generated are in a primed (restricted embryonic contribution) rather than naïve (full pluripotency) state, hence restricting their potential. The project aims at promoting the transition to the naïve state in rabbits iPSC. We will interfere with the epigenetic status of iPSC using a focused CRISPR perturbation screen as well as small molecule inhibitors to manipulate chromatin modifiers' level or activity, respectively. Using our fluorescent reporter cell lines enabling tracking of primed to naïve state transition, we will screen for combinations of epigenetic modulators that efficiently promote the emergence of the naive state; a strategy that could then be applied to other livestock species.