Single-neuron transcriptome and methylome sequencing for epigenomic analysis of aging

Area of Science:

• Neurobiology
• Genomics
• Aging Research

Background:

• Heterogeneity in transcription and signaling hinders understanding of aging mechanisms.
• The diversity of neuronal populations in aging neurobiology poses experimental challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish Aplysia as a model for single-cell genomic analysis of aging.
• To provide protocols for integrated transcriptome and methylome profiling of individual neurons during aging.

Main Methods:

• Single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and DNA methylation assays (methyl-capture/enrichment).
• Protocols compatible with major next-generation sequencing platforms.
• Sequencing library construction for quantitative and directional transcriptional profiling.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated integrated epigenetic and transcriptional profiling at the single-cell level.
• Confirmed similar DNA methylation behavior across DNA copies in polyploid Aplysia neurons.

Conclusions:

• Aplysia is a viable model for single-cell genomic studies of aging.
• Integrated transcriptome and methylome profiling provides a comprehensive view of cellular aging.
• The developed protocols enable detailed investigation of aging mechanisms in individual neurons.