Gene essentiality and synthetic lethality in haploid human cells

Although the genes essential for life have been identified in less complex model organisms, their elucidation in human cells has been hindered by technical barriers. We used extensive mutagenesis in haploid human cells to identify approximately 2000 genes required for optimal fitness under culture conditions. To study the principles of genetic interactions in human cells, we created a synthetic lethality network focused on the secretory pathway based exclusively on mutations. This revealed a genetic cross-talk governing Golgi homeostasis, an additional subunit of the human oligosaccharyltransferase complex, and a phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase β adaptor hijacked by viruses. The synthetic lethality map parallels…

• CG
  Cancer Genomics Centre
• ÖA
  Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften
• AS
  Austrian Science Fund

  Award: FWF SFB F4711
• NO
  Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
• FA
  Fondation ARC pour la Recherche sur le Cancer

  Award: PJA 20141201975
• HE
  H2020 European Research Council

  Award: ERC-2012-StG 309634