Neuronal diversity is a defining feature of the mammalian brain deemed necessary for realizing the complex function of the nervous system. In order to begin to understand the transcriptional basis of this diversity, we collected more than 170 neuronal and non-neuronal cell type-specific transcriptomes defined operationally by transgenic mouse lines and anatomical regions. The dataset indicates that the genes specifically expressed in neuronal cell types are biased toward long genes. We revealed that these long genes have higher capacities to be differentially expressed between cell types and thus assume an important role in diversification of the neuronal transcriptomes. Since mobile element insertions are the main cause of the gene elongations, we propose that exaptation of the inserted mobile elements significantly contributed to the neuronal diversity. Overall design: Examination of whole cell transcriptomes in 174 cell types.
Mapping the transcriptional diversity of genetically and anatomically defined cell populations in the mouse brain.
Sex, Specimen part, Cell line, Subject
View SamplesThe transcriptional regulator Rbpj is involved in T-helper (TH) subset polarization, but its function in Treg cells remains unclear. Here we show that Treg-specific Rbpj deletion leads to splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy despite increased numbers of Treg cells with a polyclonal TCR repertoire. A specific defect of Rbpj-deficient Treg cells in controlling TH2 polarization and B cell responses is observed, leading to the spontaneous formation of germinal centers and a TH2-associated immunoglobulin class switch. The observed phenotype is environment-dependent and can be induced by infection with parasitic nematodes. Rbpj-deficient Treg cells adopt open chromatin landscapes and gene expression profiles reminiscent of tissue-derived TH2-polarized Treg cells, with a prevailing footprint of the transcription factor Gata-3. Taken together, our study suggest that Treg cells require Rbpj to specifically restrain TH2 responses, including their own excessive TH2-like differentiation potential. Overall design: We isolated Treg cells from spleens of affected Treg Rbpj-deficient animals and wildtype counterparts. Total RNA was isolated and subjected to gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing
Rbpj expression in regulatory T cells is critical for restraining T<sub>H</sub>2 responses.
Specimen part, Subject
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