Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that give rise to different neural subtypes by single cell transcriptomics

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H03204
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 43050:Genome biology-related
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Takeo Horie 筑波大学, 生命環境系, 助教 (10455925)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: ホヤ / 単一細胞トランスクリプトーム解析 / 神経細胞 / 細胞分化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We study the ascidian simple CNS as a model system to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that give rise to different neural subtypes for all neurons in the central nervous system by combining genomic and developmental biological methods, such as single-cell transcriptomics. Our goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that give rise to different neuronal subtypes for all neurons in the CNS.
From the single-cell transcriptomics data, we have elucidated the differentiation mechanisms of dopaminergic neurons, various types of GABAergic neurons, and glutamatergic epidermal sensory neurons. We also performed a comparative analysis of the differentiation mechanisms of sensory neurons in multiple animals to elucidate the differentiation mechanisms of sensory neurons that are conserved between left and right homologous animals.

Free Research Field

ゲノム生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、シンプルな神経系を持つホヤを用いることで様々な神経細胞の分化機構を解明した。さらに、解明した分化機構をもとに様々な神経細胞を人為的に作り出すことにも成功している。今後、これらの研究成果をマウスやヒトなど高等脊椎動物でも検証することにより、iPS細胞やES細胞から人為的に任意の神経細胞の分化を誘導する技術の開発へとつなげたい。そして、損傷した神経回路の修復など医学方面への応用を視野に入れた研究へと発展することが期待される。