Transcriptomic and epigenomic dynamics associated with development of human iPSC-derived GABAergic interneurons

GABAergic interneurons (GINs) are a heterogeneous class of inhibitory neurons that collectively maintain normal neuronal excitability and network activity. Identification of the genetic regulatory elements and transcription factors that contribute toward GIN function may provide new insight into the pathways underlying proper GIN activity, while also indicating potential therapeutic targets for GIN-associated disorders, such as epilepsy and schizophrenia. In this study, we examined temporal changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility by collecting human iPSC-derived GINs at three time points for transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis: neural progenitor cells at 22 days post-differentiation (D22), then GINs at D50 and D78. Collectively, these data provide a resource for examining the molecular networks regulating normal GIN functionality. iPSCs independently derived from two healthy male controls (HC1 and HC2) were differentiated into GABAergic interneurons with 81-85% efficiency, and samples were collected at three points for RNA-seq and ATAC-seq: 22 days post-differentiation (D22), D50, and D78.