Neuroscience and Neuro-Urology Basic Research
project - Identifying distinct neuronal cell types in the pmc
Our and previous studies have shown voiding function to be mediated by the pontine micturition center (PMC) and periaqueductal gray (PAG) regions of the brain. We use RNA sequencing techniques to profile gene expression in single cells or nuclei from PMC neurons as well as from neurons in PMC-upstream and downstream locations. The resulting RNA expression profiles will identify the neuron subpopulations in these crucial regions.
Neuron subpopulations most likely to control the bladder will be studied by developing mouse lines which selectively express Cre-recombinase, permitting us to define their role in normal voiding function and in mice with disorders of bladder function.
Useful references on RNA sequencing techniques (13-15):
13) Ecker et al., (2017) Neuron 96, 542-557. 14) Poulin et al., (2016) Nat Neurosci. 19, 1131-1141. 15) Bakken et al., (2018) PLOS-One 13, e0209648.
Links
* DropSeq
In collaboration with:
Boston Nutrition Obesity Research Center core
