A functional genetic screen identifies Aurora kinase b as a critical regulator of Sox9-positive embryonic lung progenitor cells.

We developped an in vitro 3D sphere culture system of lung embryonic cells called pneumosphere, that is amenable to genetic and chemical manipulation. This series describes the transcriptome of pneumospheres after 3, 7, and 10 days of culture. Overall design: E11.5 mouse embryonic lung were dissected and dissociated into a single cell suspension. Lung epithelial cells were enriched through differential attachment of mesenchymal cells. Cells were plated in 3D culture and passaged at day 3, 7, and 10. RNAseq was performed at each passage to evaluate molecular changes that occur during culture.