Single cell transcriptome atlas of the Drosophila larval brain

Abstract

Cell diversity of the brain and how it is affected by starvation, remains largely unknown. Here, we introduce a single cell transcriptome atlas of the entire Drosophila first instar larval brain. We first assigned cell-type identity based on known marker genes, distinguishing five major groups: neural progenitors, differentiated neurons, glia, undifferentiated neurons and non-neural cells. All major classes were further subdivided into multiple subtypes, revealing biological features of various cell-types. We further assessed transcriptional changes in response to starvation at the single-cell level. While after starvation the composition of the brain remains unaffected, transcriptional profile of several cell clusters changed. Intriguingly, different cell-types show very distinct responses to starvation, suggesting the presence of cell-specific programs for nutrition availability. Establishing a single-cell transcriptome atlas of the larval brain provides a powerful tool to explore cell diversity and assess genetic profiles from developmental, functional and behavioral perspectives.

Neurogenesis From Embryo to Adult – Lessons From Flies and Mice

“…They have identified cellular states along the neurogenic lineage of the SEZ ( Llorens-Bobadilla et al, 2015 ; Luo et al, 2015 ; Dulken et al, 2017 ; Zywitza et al, 2018 ; Mizrak et al, 2019 ) and the SGZ of the hippocampal dentate gyrus ( Shin et al, 2015 ; Artegiani et al, 2017 ; Hochgerner et al, 2018 ). In Drosophila , a pioneer single-cell transcriptomic study has established a molecular cell atlas of the first instar larval brain ( Brunet Avalos et al, 2019 ), identifying neurons expressing distinct neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neuropeptides; neural progenitor cells; glial cells of different types; undifferentiated neurons; and non-neural cells.…”

Single-cell transcriptomes of developing and adult olfactory receptor neurons inDrosophila

“…Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a powerful tool to investigate the mechanisms underlying nervous system development and function (Ofengeim et al, 2017;Mu et al, 2019;Li, 2020). Recent scRNA-seq studies in the Drosophila nervous system have enabled the discovery of new cell types, mechanisms important for development and aging, and genes controlling neural specification and wiring (Li et al, 2017;Croset et al, 2018;Davie et al, 2018;Avalos et al, 2019;Allen et al, 2020). Our recent study at a mid-developmental stage demonstrates that single-cell transcriptomic clusters represent anatomically and functionally distinct ORN types (Li et al, 2020).…”

Unveiling the sensory and interneuronal pathways of the neuroendocrine connectome inDrosophila

“…These data further lend support that DCV fusion sites represent a reliable measure for targets of RPNs. The anatomical data on peptidergic outputs were combined with existing single cell transcriptomic data on the larval brain (Brunet Avalos et al, 2019). Focusing on the expression of neuropeptides and their cognate receptors within the ring gland system, we confirmed for example that Crz neurons are targeting all other RPNs by releasing Corazonin as well as sNPF and Proctolin (Figure 2figure supplement 4).…”

“…alos et al 2019. In order to analyze peptide receptor interaction between RPN groups we sought out to use the data generated in the lab of Simon Sprecher describing the single cell transcriptomic atlas of the Drosophila larval brain (Brunet Avalos et al, 2019). Advantage of this dataset was the exclusive analysis of SEZ and brain lobes, which helped in finding the RPN specific peptidergic cell groups.…”