Identification and characterization of essential genes in the human genome

TLDR

New genetic techniques are refining the list of essential human genes needed for cell survival. The study investigates how nonessential genes become required for fitness when another gene is absent. CRISPR and gene‑trap screens in haploid cells identified essential genes and revealed tumor‑specific dependencies, suggesting human cellular strategy relies on complexity rather than robustness. References include Wang et al., Blomen et al., and Science (pp.

Abstract

Zeroing in on essential human genes More powerful genetic techniques are helping to define the list of genes required for the life of a human cell. Two papers used the CRISPR genome editing system and a gene trap method in haploid human cells to screen for essential genes (see the Perspective by Boone and Andrews). Wang et al. 's analysis of multiple cell lines indicates that it may be possible to find tumor-specific dependencies on particular genes. Blomen et al. investigate the phenomenon in which nonessential genes are required for fitness in the absence of another gene. Hence, complexity rather than robustness is the human strategy. Science , this issue p. 1096 and p. 1092 ; see also p. 1028