Elucidation of differentiation mechanism of bipolar tail neurons in the ascidian larvae by single-cell transcriptomics

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15099
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 44020:Developmental biology-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University (2022); University of Tsukuba (2021)
• Principal Investigator: Horie Ryoko 大阪大学, 大学院生命機能研究科, 特別研究員(PD) (90894907)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 細胞分化 / 単一細胞トランスクリプトーム / 神経細胞 / ホヤ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The nervous system of ascidian larvae consists of only 231 cells (177 in the central nervous system and 54 in the peripheral nervous system). Therefore, it is possible to elucidate the differentiation mechanisms of all neurons in the nervous system at the single-cell level. In this research project, the applicants aimed to elucidate the differentiation mechanism of bipolar sensory neurons in the caudal region among the neurons in the nervous system of ascidian larvae by using the single-cell transcriptome data of whole individuals that they have conducted.

Free Research Field

発生生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、わずか231個の神経細胞から構成されるホヤの神経系をモデルとして、神経細胞の分化機構、特に尾部に存在する双極性感覚神経細胞の分化機構を解明することに成功した。また、この研究成果をもとに双極性感覚神経細胞を人為的に作り出すことにも成功している。今後は、この研究成果をもとにヒトにおいて任意の神経細胞の分化を誘導する技術の開発につなげていきたい。