Astrocytes and neurons share region-specific transcriptional signatures that confer regional identity to neuronal reprogramming

Herrero-Navarro A, Puche-Aroca L, Moreno-Juan V, Sempere-Ferrandez A, Espinosa A, Susin R, Torres-Masjoan L, Leyva-Diaz E, Karow M, Figueres-Onate M, Lopez-Mascaraque L, Lopez-Atalaya JP, Berninger B, Lopez-Bendito G (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Science Advances American Association for the Advancement of Science

Book Volume: 7

Journal Issue: 15

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe8978

Abstract

Neural cell diversity is essential to endow distinct brain regions with specific functions. During development, progenitors within these regions are characterized by specific gene expression programs, contributing to the generation of diversity in postmitotic neurons and astrocytes. While the region-specific molecular diversity of neurons and astrocytes is increasingly understood, whether these cells share region-specific programs remains unknown. Here, we show that in the neocortex and thalamus, neurons and astrocytes express shared region-specific transcriptional and epigenetic signatures. These signatures not only distinguish cells across these two brain regions but are also detected across substructures within regions, such as distinct thalamic nuclei, where clonal analysis reveals the existence of common nucleus-specific progenitors for neurons and astrocytes. Consistent with their shared molecular signature, regional specificity is maintained following astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming. A detailed understanding of these regional-specific signatures may thus inform strategies for future cell-based brain repair.

Authors with CRIS profile

Marisa Karow-Falk Professur für Biochemie und Molekulare Neurowissenschaften

Involved external institutions

Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) / Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche ES Spain (ES) King’s College London GB United Kingdom (GB) Spanish National Research Council / Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) ES Spain (ES)

How to cite

APA:

Herrero-Navarro, A., Puche-Aroca, L., Moreno-Juan, V., Sempere-Ferrandez, A., Espinosa, A., Susin, R.,... Lopez-Bendito, G. (2021). Astrocytes and neurons share region-specific transcriptional signatures that confer regional identity to neuronal reprogramming. Science Advances, 7(15). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abe8978

MLA:

Herrero-Navarro, Alvaro, et al. "Astrocytes and neurons share region-specific transcriptional signatures that confer regional identity to neuronal reprogramming." Science Advances 7.15 (2021).

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