Transcriptomic and morphophysiological evidence for a specialized human cortical GABAergic cell type

Nat Neurosci. 2018 Sep;21(9):1185-1195. doi: 10.1038/s41593-018-0205-2. Epub 2018 Aug 27.

Abstract

We describe convergent evidence from transcriptomics, morphology, and physiology for a specialized GABAergic neuron subtype in human cortex. Using unbiased single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we identify ten GABAergic interneuron subtypes with combinatorial gene signatures in human cortical layer 1 and characterize a group of human interneurons with anatomical features never described in rodents, having large 'rosehip'-like axonal boutons and compact arborization. These rosehip cells show an immunohistochemical profile (GAD1+CCK+, CNR1-SST-CALB2-PVALB-) matching a single transcriptomically defined cell type whose specific molecular marker signature is not seen in mouse cortex. Rosehip cells in layer 1 make homotypic gap junctions, predominantly target apical dendritic shafts of layer 3 pyramidal neurons, and inhibit backpropagating pyramidal action potentials in microdomains of the dendritic tuft. These cells are therefore positioned for potent local control of distal dendritic computation in cortical pyramidal neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Axons / ultrastructure
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism*
  • Cerebral Cortex / ultrastructure*
  • Dendritic Spines / metabolism
  • Dendritic Spines / ultrastructure
  • GABAergic Neurons / metabolism*
  • GABAergic Neurons / ultrastructure*
  • Gap Junctions / metabolism
  • Gap Junctions / ultrastructure
  • Gene Library
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism
  • Presynaptic Terminals / ultrastructure
  • Pyramidal Cells / metabolism
  • Pyramidal Cells / ultrastructure
  • RNA / analysis
  • RNA / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA
  • Transcriptome*

Substances

  • RNA