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  • CRISPR/Cas9 interrogation o...
    Garrett, Andrew M; Bosch, Peter J; Steffen, David M; Fuller, Leah C; Marcucci, Charles G; Koch, Alexis A; Bais, Preeti; Weiner, Joshua A; Burgess, Robert W

    PLoS genetics, 12/2019, Volume: 15, Issue: 12
    Journal Article

    The mammalian Pcdhg gene cluster encodes a family of 22 cell adhesion molecules, the gamma-Protocadherins (γ-Pcdhs), critical for neuronal survival and neural circuit formation. The extent to which isoform diversity-a γ-Pcdh hallmark-is required for their functions remains unclear. We used a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to reduce isoform diversity, targeting each Pcdhg variable exon with pooled sgRNAs to generate an allelic series of 26 mouse lines with 1 to 21 isoforms disrupted via discrete indels at guide sites and/or larger deletions/rearrangements. Analysis of 5 mutant lines indicates that postnatal viability and neuronal survival do not require isoform diversity. Surprisingly, given reports that it might not independently engage in trans-interactions, we find that γC4, encoded by Pcdhgc4, is the only critical isoform. Because the human orthologue is the only PCDHG gene constrained in humans, our results indicate a conserved γC4 function that likely involves distinct molecular mechanisms.