[HTML][HTML] Somatosensory neuron types identified by high-coverage single-cell RNA-sequencing and functional heterogeneity

CL Li, KC Li, D Wu, Y Chen, H Luo, JR Zhao, SS Wang… - Cell research, 2016 - nature.com
CL Li, KC Li, D Wu, Y Chen, H Luo, JR Zhao, SS Wang, MM Sun, YJ Lu, YQ Zhong, XY Hu…
Cell research, 2016nature.com
Sensory neurons are distinguished by distinct signaling networks and receptive
characteristics. Thus, sensory neuron types can be defined by linking transcriptome-based
neuron typing with the sensory phenotypes. Here we classify somatosensory neurons of the
mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by high-coverage single-cell RNA-sequencing (10 950±1
218 genes per neuron) and neuron size-based hierarchical clustering. Moreover, single
DRG neurons responding to cutaneous stimuli are recorded using an in vivo whole-cell …
Abstract
Sensory neurons are distinguished by distinct signaling networks and receptive characteristics. Thus, sensory neuron types can be defined by linking transcriptome-based neuron typing with the sensory phenotypes. Here we classify somatosensory neurons of the mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by high-coverage single-cell RNA-sequencing (10 950±1 218 genes per neuron) and neuron size-based hierarchical clustering. Moreover, single DRG neurons responding to cutaneous stimuli are recorded using an in vivo whole-cell patch clamp technique and classified by neuron-type genetic markers. Small diameter DRG neurons are classified into one type of low-threshold mechanoreceptor and five types of mechanoheat nociceptors (MHNs). Each of the MHN types is further categorized into two subtypes. Large DRG neurons are categorized into four types, including neurexophilin 1-expressing MHNs and mechanical nociceptors (MNs) expressing BAI1-associated protein 2-like 1 (Baiap2l1). Mechanoreceptors expressing trafficking protein particle complex 3-like and Baiap2l1-marked MNs are subdivided into two subtypes each. These results provide a new system for cataloging somatosensory neurons and their transcriptome databases.
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