Functional Gene Networks in Naïve and Formative Pluripotency

The development of mammalian embryos requires precise regulation of gene networks to establish and maintain cell identities. In the early embryo, pluripotent cells progress through distinct developmental states, transitioning from a nave to a formative pluripotent phase before lineage commitment begins. While key transcription factors and signaling pathways involved in pluripotency have been identified, the molecular mechanisms governing these transitions remain largely unknown. Understanding how cell fate decisions are regulated is critical for our understanding of mammalian development and is a prerequisite for the safe and efficient use of stem cells in potential medical applications. In this project, we will systematically map the gene regulatory networks that sustain nave pluripotency and drive the transition to a formative state. Using CRISPR-based functional genomics and advanced computational approaches, we will identify key genes and interactions that dictate cell fate transitions. Our research will provide crucial insights into the robustness and flexibility of early embryonic development. By decoding the molecular logic of pluripotency transitions, we lay the groundwork for improving guided stem cell differentiation and synthetic embryology.