Abstract

Novel Male DUX4-Inducible Stem Cell Lines for Studying Embryonic Genome Activation




AuthorsKordemets, Katariina; Mikkola, Lea; Danti, Laura; Boskovic, Nina; Katayama, Shintaro; Weltner, Jere; Kere, Juha

Conference nameAwakening the Genome During Developmental Reprogramming: From Embryos to Organoids

Publication year2026

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingNo Open Access

Publication channel's open availability No Open Access publication channel


Abstract

We have previously demonstrated that inducible DUX4 expression in the female human embryonic stem cell line H9 induces early embryonic genome activation (EGA) like transcriptional programs. However, in order to study sex-dependent differences, comparable male cell lines have to be established. Here, we generated four doxycycline-inducible DUX4 clonal lines from a male hiPSC background and analyzed their transcriptional responses after induction using scRNA-seq. All clones reproducibly formed an iBM-like cluster expressing EGA marker genes, with pseudotime analysis showing a clear separation of the iBM trajectory from other cell states. This reproduces prior observations in the female H9 hESC line, demonstrating conservation of DUX4-driven programs across pluripotent stem cell origin and genetic sex. These XX and XY lines enable future investigation of sex-dependent regulatory dynamics during DUX4-induced cell state transitions.



Keywords:
Embryonic genome activation

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Last updated on 09/07/2026 02:57:40 PM