Forward genetics can provide insight into molecular pathways as has been demonstrated by advances in cell biology from comprehensive genetic studies in simple organisms. Recently, techniques have become available that promise a similar potential for understanding developmental pathways in mammals. Here we describe a genetic forward screening approach for identifying factors involved in X chromosome inactivation that is based on haploid mouse embryonic stem cells. Using a genetically encoded selection system screening of large mutant pools can identify candidate silencing factors with high confidence.
Keywords: Chromatin; Embryonic stem cells; Gene regulation; Genetic screening; Haploid; X inactivation.