Bulk ATACseq and RNAseq from planarian stem cells in wild-type and BAF-complex RNAi conditions
Here, we perform ATAC- and RNA- sequencing on purified BAF-deficient neoblasts and determine the BAF complex functions to promote chromatin accessibility and facilitate transcription at target loci. Specifically, the BAF complex enables neoblasts to access key genes required for generation of mesoderm- and ectoderm-derived lineages, including muscle, parenchymal cathepsin cells, neural, and epithelial lineages. BAF complex deficiency results in disrupted differentiation into these cell lineages and functional consequences for planarian tissue turnover and regeneration. Notably, the BAF complex was not required for endoderm-derived lineages.