Transcriptomic atlas of midbrain dopamine neurons uncovers differential vulnerability in a Parkinsonism lesion model.

ABSTRACT: Midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons comprise diverse cells with unique innervation targets and functions. This is illustrated by the selective sensitivity of mDA neurons of the substantia nigra compacta (SNc) in patients with Parkinson's disease, while those in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are relatively spared. Here, we used single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of approximately 70,000 mouse midbrain cells to build a high-resolution atlas of mouse mDA neuron diversity at the molecular level. The results showed that differences between mDA neuron groups could best be understood as a continuum without sharp differences between subtypes. Thus, we assigned mDA neurons to several 'territories' and 'neighborhoods' within a shifting gene expression landscape where boundaries are gradual rathe

SUBMITTER: Yaghmaeian Salmani B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11001297 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature