ATAC-seq on ESCs undergoing directed differentiation towards defined neural fates

We have used ATAC-seq to track cell state changes that occur during the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells to defined neural progenitor fates. We have performed ATAC-seq every 24 hours in cells en route to 3 distinct neural progenitors fates, anterior, hindbrain and spinal cord. This has allowed us to define how cells transition to a neural state, based on their enhancer usage. We identified regions distinct to different anterior-posterior neural progenitors, and validated their relevance by performing in vivo ATAC-seq on neural progenitors isolated from different axial levels of mouse embryos.