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Unique Transcriptomic Cell Types of the Granular Retrosplenial Cortex Are Preserved across Mice and Rats despite
Isla A W Brooks1, Izabela Jedrasiak-Cape1, Chloe Rybicki-Kler1,2
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.
Summary
Mouse and rat granular retrosplenial cortex (RSG) share unique cell types, crucial for memory and fear. Despite evolutionary conservation, species-specific marker genes require careful consideration for cross-species research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Comparative Anatomy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The granular retrosplenial cortex (RSG) is vital for memory, orientation, and fear processing.
- Mouse RSG exhibits unique cell types, including Layer 2/3 low rheobase (L2/3 LR) and Layer 5a pyramidal (L5a RSG) neurons.
- The evolutionary conservation of these distinct RSG cell types between mice and rats is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary conservation of transcriptomically unique cell types in the granular retrosplenial cortex (RSG) between mice and rats.
- To identify cross-species marker genes for targeting specific RSG cell types in both mice and rats.
Main Methods:
- Comparative transcriptomic analysis of granular retrosplenial cortex (RSG) cell types in mice and rats.
- Identification and validation of cell-type-specific marker genes across species.
Main Results:
- Mouse and rat RSG share the same unique cell types, constituting over 50% of RSG neurons.
- Key marker genes, such as Scnn1a for mouse L5a RSG neurons, are not conserved in rats.
- Alternative cross-species marker genes were identified for targeting RSG cell types in both species.
Conclusions:
- The unique cell types of the granular retrosplenial cortex (RSG) are evolutionarily conserved between mice and rats.
- Significant species-specific differences in marker gene expression necessitate careful selection for cross-species genetic studies.
- Identified markers facilitate the development of cell-type-specific genetic tools for both mouse and rat RSG research.
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