Spatial transcriptomic and single-nucleus analysis reveals heterogeneity in a gigantic single-celled syncytium.

ABSTRACT: In multicellular organisms, the specification, coordination, and compartmentalization of cell types enable the formation of complex body plans. However, some eukaryotic protists such as slime molds generate diverse and complex structures while remaining in a multinucleate syncytial state. It is unknown if different regions of these giant syncytial cells have distinct transcriptional responses to environmental encounters and if nuclei within the cell diversify into heterogeneous states. Here, we performed spatial transcriptome analysis of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum in the plasmodium state under different environmental conditions and used single-nucleus RNA-sequencing to dissect gene expression heterogeneity among nuclei. Our data identifies transcriptome regionality in the organis

SUBMITTER: Gerber T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8865844 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature