Several
studies
have
revealed
that
midbrain
dopamine
(DA)
neurons,
even
within
a
single
neuroanatomical
area,
display
heterogeneous
properties.
In
parallel,
using
cell
profiling
techniques
begun
to
cluster
DA
neurons
into
subtypes
based
on
their
molecular
signatures.
Recent
work
has
shown
molecularly
defined
the
substantia
nigra
(SNc)
distinctive
anatomic
and
functional
properties,
differential
vulnerability
in
Parkinson’s
disease
(PD).
Based
these
provocative
results,
granular
understanding
of
putative
alterations
PD
models,
is
imperative.
We
developed
an
optimized
pipeline
for
single-nuclear
RNA
sequencing
(snRNA-seq)
generated
high-resolution
hierarchically
organized
map
revealing
20
distinct
neuron
belonging
three
main
families.
integrated
this
data
with
spatial
MERFISH
technology
map,
high
definition,
location
mouse
midbrain,
heterogeneity
sub-structures.
Finally,
we
demonstrate
preclinical
LRRK2
G2019S
knock-in
model
PD,
subtype
organization
proportions
are
preserved.
Transcriptional
occur
many
including
those
localized
ventral
tier
SNc,
where
expression
observed
synaptic
pathways,
which
might
account
previously
described
release
deficits
model.
Our
provides
advancement
current
taxonomic
schemes
subtypes,
view
locations,
prodromal
PD.
Midbrain
dopamine
(mDA)
neurons
comprise
diverse
cells
with
unique
innervation
targets
and
functions.
This
is
illustrated
by
the
selective
sensitivity
of
mDA
substantia
nigra
compacta
(SNc)
in
patients
Parkinson’s
disease,
while
those
ventral
tegmental
area
(VTA)
are
relatively
spared.
Here,
we
used
single
nuclei
RNA
sequencing
(snRNA-seq)
approximately
70,000
mouse
midbrain
to
build
a
high-resolution
atlas
neuron
diversity
at
molecular
level.
The
results
showed
that
differences
between
groups
could
best
be
understood
as
continuum
without
sharp
subtypes.
Thus,
assigned
several
‘territories’
‘neighborhoods’
within
shifting
gene
expression
landscape
where
boundaries
gradual
rather
than
discrete.
Based
on
enriched
patterns
these
territories
neighborhoods,
were
able
localize
them
adult
midbrain.
Moreover,
because
underlying
mechanisms
for
variable
sensitivities
pathological
insults
not
well
understood,
analyzed
surviving
after
partial
6-hydroxydopamine
(6-OHDA)
lesions
unravel
correlate
vulnerability
resilience.
Together,
this
provides
basis
further
studies
neurophysiological
role
health
disease.
npj Parkinson s Disease,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
10(1)
Published: Sept. 2, 2024
The
differential
vulnerability
of
dopaminergic
neurons
the
substantia
nigra
pars
compacta
(SNc)
is
a
critical
and
unresolved
question
in
Parkinson´s
disease.
Studies
mice
show
diverse
susceptibility
subpopulations
nigral
to
various
toxic
agents.
In
primate
midbrain,
molecular
phenotypes
their
are
poorly
characterized.
We
performed
detailed
histological
study
determine
anatomical
distribution
different
within
identified
midbrain
selective
control
MPTP-treated
monkeys.
ventral
tier
SNc
(nigrosome),
rich
Aldh1a1
Girk2
intermingled,
whereas
calbindin
marker
that
best
identifies
most
resilient
located
dorsal
tegmental
area,
recapitulating
well-defined
dorsoventral
axis
degeneration
neurons.
particular,
loss
Aldh1a1+
was
observed
parallel
progressive
development
parkinsonism.
were
main
population
vulnerable
nigrostriatal-projecting
neurons,
while
Aldh1a1-
giving
rise
nigropallidal
projections
remained
relatively
preserved.
Moreover,
bundles
entwined
dendrites
with
long
trajectories
extending
towards
reticulata
emerged
from
clusters
colocalized
dense
cannabinoid
receptor
1
afferent
fibers
likely
representing
part
striatonigral
projection
affected
human
disorders,
including
conclusion,
can
be
by
using
Girk2.
Further
studies
needed
define
afferent/efferent
patterns
these
Cell Proliferation,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Feb. 20, 2025
ABSTRACT
Human
midbrain
organoids
with
functional
dopaminergic
(DA)
neurons
are
invaluable
for
the
therapeutic
development
of
Parkinson's
disease
(PD).
However,
current
methods
face
significant
limitations,
including
challenges
in
generating
pint‐sized
enriched
DA
and
lack
robust
assays
efficiently
evaluating
neural
networks
over
extended
periods.
Here
we
present
an
innovative
approach
that
combines
developmental
patterning
mechanical
cutting
to
produce
small
organoids,
diameters
less
than
300
μm,
suitable
long‐term
evaluation,
along
a
comprehensive
assay
system
consisting
calcium
transient
assay,
neurite
extension
multielectrode
array
(MEA)
assay.
Radial
into
four
eight
portions
according
their
sizes
at
appropriate
stage
significantly
increases
yield
viable
while
reducing
necrotic
cell
regions.
Using
system,
demonstrate
within
extend
long
projections,
respond
dopamine
stimulation,
form
characterised
by
giant
depolarising
potential‐like
events.
Our
supports
generation
PD
models
can
be
used
testing.
Several
studies
have
revealed
that
midbrain
dopamine
(DA)
neurons,
even
within
a
single
neuroanatomical
area,
display
heterogeneous
properties.
In
parallel,
using
cell
profiling
techniques
begun
to
cluster
DA
neurons
into
subtypes
based
on
their
molecular
signatures.
Recent
work
has
shown
molecularly
defined
the
substantia
nigra
(SNc)
distinctive
anatomic
and
functional
properties,
differential
vulnerability
in
Parkinson’s
disease
(PD).
Based
these
provocative
results,
granular
understanding
of
putative
alterations
PD
models,
is
imperative.
We
developed
an
optimized
pipeline
for
single-nuclear
RNA
sequencing
(snRNA-seq)
generated
high-resolution
hierarchically
organized
map
revealing
20
distinct
neuron
belonging
three
main
families.
integrated
this
data
with
spatial
MERFISH
technology
map,
high
definition,
location
mouse
midbrain,
heterogeneity
sub-structures.
Finally,
we
demonstrate
preclinical
LRRK2
G2019S
knock-in
model
PD,
subtype
organization
proportions
are
preserved.
Transcriptional
occur
many
including
those
localized
ventral
tier
SNc,
where
expression
observed
synaptic
pathways,
which
might
account
previously
described
release
deficits
model.
Our
provides
advancement
current
taxonomic
schemes
subtypes,
view
locations,
prodromal
PD.Teaser:
Using
snRNASeq
identified
mapped
location,
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
122(11)
Published: March 13, 2025
Dopamine
(DA)
signals
to
the
striatum
play
critical
roles
in
shaping
and
sustaining
stimulus-reward
associations.
In
primates,
however,
dynamics
of
DA
remain
unknown
since
conventional
methods
are
not
necessarily
appropriate
terms
spatiotemporal
resolution
or
chemical
specificity
sufficient
for
detecting
signals.
our
study,
fiber
photometry
with
a
fluorescent
sensor
was
employed
identify
reward-related
transients
monkey
striatum.
This
technique,
which
directly
monitors
local
release,
reveals
reward
prediction
error
signal
anterior
putamen
originating
from
midbrain
neurons.
Further,
head
caudate
nucleus
exhibit
value-based
response
reward-predicting
stimuli.
These
have
been
found
arise
two
separate
groups
neurons
substantia
nigra
pars
compacta.
The
present
results
demonstrate
that
fluorescence
monitoring
is
applicable
detect
primate
investigating
their
roles.
Science Advances,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
11(13)
Published: March 26, 2025
Drugs
of
abuse
activate
defined
neuronal
populations
in
reward
structures
such
as
the
nucleus
accumbens
(NAc),
which
promote
enduring
synaptic,
circuit,
and
behavioral
consequences
drug
exposure.
While
molecular
cellular
effects
arising
from
experience
with
drugs
like
cocaine
are
increasingly
well
understood,
mechanisms
that
dictate
NAc
recruitment
remain
unknown.
Here,
we
leveraged
unbiased
single-nucleus
transcriptional
profiling
targeted
situ
detection
to
identify
Reln
(encoding
secreted
glycoprotein,
Reelin)
a
marker
cocaine-activated
within
rat
NAc.
A
CRISPR
interference
approach
enabling
selective
knockdown
adult
altered
expression
calcium
signaling
genes,
promoted
trajectory
consistent
loss
sensitivity,
decreased
MSN
excitability.
Behaviorally,
prevented
locomotor
sensitization,
abolished
place
preference
memory,
self-administration
behavior.
These
results
Reelin
critical
mechanistic
link
between
activation
cocaine-induced
adaptations.