Haploid Genetic Screens in Human Cells Identify Host Factors Used by Pathogens

Abstract

“Haploid Human” Genetic screens can provide direct insight into biological processes that are poorly understood. Carette et al. (p. 1231 ) describe genetic screens using large-scale gene disruption in human cells haploid for all chromosomes except for chromosome 8. One screen was used to identify host factors essential for the activity of cytolethal distending toxin, a toxin found in several pathogenic bacteria. Another screen identified host gene products essential for infection with influenza, and an additional screen revealed genes required for the action of adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP)–ribosylating bacterial toxins. This loss-of-function genetic approach in mammalian cells will be widely applicable to study a variety of biological processes and cellular functions.