Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
18:17
Obtaining High Quality RNA from Single Cell Populations in Human Postmortem Brain Tissue
Published on: August 6, 2009
Obtaining high quality RNA from single cell populations in human postmortem brain tissue
Charmaine Y Pietersen1, Maribel P Lim, Tsung-Ung W Woo
1Department of Structural and Molecular Neuroscience, McLean Hospital. cpietersen@mclean.harvard.edu
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|August 18, 2009
Summary
Schizophrenia is linked to gray matter reduction in the superior temporal gyrus. This study analyzed gene expression in pyramidal neurons to understand the molecular basis of this change.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with gray matter reduction in the superior temporal gyrus.
- The cerebral cortex is highly heterogeneous, with distinct gene expression profiles across regions, layers, and cell types.
- Investigating specific cell populations is crucial to overcome confounding effects of tissue heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression profiles of pyramidal neurons in layer III of the superior temporal gyrus.
- To identify molecular differences contributing to gray matter reduction in schizophrenia patients.
Main Methods:
- Laser-capture microdissection (LCM) was used to isolate approximately 500 pyramidal neurons.
- RNA was isolated, amplified using T7-based linear amplification, and assessed for quality.
- Gene expression profiling was performed using the Affymetrix Human X3P GeneChip array.
Main Results:
- High-quality mRNA was obtained from isolated pyramidal neurons.
- Gene expression profiles were successfully generated for the selected cell population.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a method for analyzing gene expression in specific neuronal populations.
- The approach allows for the investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying brain alterations in schizophrenia.
