Decoding nervous system by single‐cell RNA sequencing

Abstract

BackgroundMammalian brain are composed of a large number of specialized cell types with diverse molecular composition, functions and differentiation potentials. The application of recently developed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) technology in this filed has provided us new insights about this sophisticated system, deepened our understanding of the cell type diversity and led to the discovery of novel cell types.ResultsHere we review recent progresses of applying this technology on studying brain cell heterogeneity, adult neurogenesis as well as brain tumors, then we discuss some current limitations and future directions of using scRNA‐seq on the investagation of nervous system.ConclusionsWe believe the application of single‐cell RNA sequencing in neuroscience will accelerate the progress of big brain projects.

Uncovering the Transcriptional Correlates of Hub Connectivity in Neural Networks

“…Single-cell transcriptomics is able to provide precise gene expression measurements in individual cells, thus resolving cell-specific transcriptional profiles. While scRNA-seq is not currently feasible for the whole human brain, the expression profiles of specific cell groups in the adult (Johnson et al, 2015; Hu and Wang, 2017; Picardi et al, 2017) and developing brain (Zhong et al, 2018) are being characterized.…”

Uncovering the transcriptional signatures of hub connectivity in neural networks

“…Single-cell transcriptomics is able to provide precise gene expression measurements in individual cells, thus resolving cell-specific transcriptional profiles. While scRNA-seq is not currently feasible for the whole human brain, the expression profiles of specific cell groups in the adult (Johnson et al, 2015, Hu and Wang, 2017, Picardi et al, 2017 and developing brain (Zhong et al, 2018) are being characterized.…”