A functional genetic screen identifies aurora kinase b as an essential regulator of Sox9-positive mouse embryonic lung progenitor cells

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.199543
• Publication Date: 2021-06-14T07:13:47Z
• Authors: Casey Ah-Cann; Verena C. Wimmer; Clare E. Weeden; Claire Marceaux; Charity W. Law; Laura Galvis; Caitlin E. Filby; Joy Liu; Kelsey Breslin; Tracy Willson; Matthew E. Ritchie; Marnie E. Blewitt; Marie-Liesse Asse...
• Keywords: SOX9

Development of a branching tree in the embryonic lung is crucial for formation fully mature functional at birth. Sox9+ cells present tip primary endoderm are multipotent responsible branch and elongation. We performed genetic screen murine identified aurora kinase b (Aurkb) as an essential regulator ex vivo. In vivo conditional knockout studies confirmed that Aurkb was required development but not necessary postnatal growth repair adult after injury. Deletion led to stunted retained expression Sox2 proximal airways, well Sox9 distal tips. Although we found no change cell polarity, showed loss or chemical inhibition caused arrest G2/M, likely lack bifurcation. This work demonstrates power screens identifying novel regulators progenitor morphogenesis.