Single cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-seq) provides rich information about cell types and states. However, it is difficult to apply scRNA-seq to study the adult brain and rare dynamic processes, such as adult neurogenesis, because isolation of rare neurons from adult brain tissue is challenging and markers for each phase of the continues process are limited. In this talk, I will present methods we have developed to address these challenges, including sNuc-Seq, a method for profiling RNA in complex tissues with single nuclei resolution by RNA-sequencing, and Div-Seq, which combines sNuc-Seq with pulse labeling of proliferating cells by EdU to profile individual dividing cells. sNuc-Seq and Div-Seq open the way for unbiased analysis of diverse complex tissues and frozen archived samples. I will describe the application of sNuc-Seq to study the cellular diversity of the adult hippocampus, which revealed new cell type specific and spatial expression patterns. In addition, I will discuss the application of Div-Seq to track transcriptional dynamics of newborn neurons within the adult hippocampal neurogenic niche and to identify and profile rare newborn GABAergic neurons in the adult spinal cord, a non-canonical neurogenic region. Finally, I will present follow-up technologies we are now developing

UPCOMING BRAIN LUNCH TALKS​

• 11/28/16 - Or Shemesh, Boyden Lab
• 12/5/16 - Teruhiro Okuyama, Tonegawa Lab