Cross-species analysis defines the conservation of anatomically segregated VMH neuron populations

Alison H. Affinati, Paul V. Sabatini, Cadence True, Abigail J. Tomlinson, Melissa Kirigiti, Sarah R. Lindsley, Chien Li, David P. Olson, Paul Kievit, Martin G. Myers, Alan C. Rupp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) controls diverse behaviors and physiologic functions, suggesting the existence of multiple VMH neural subtypes with distinct functions. Combing translating ribosome affinity purification with RNA-sequencing (TRAP-seq) data with single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) data, we identified 24 mouse VMH neuron clusters. Further analysis, including snRNA-seq data from macaque tissue, defined a more tractable VMH parceling scheme consisting of six major genetically and anatomically differentiated VMH neuron classes with good cross-species conservation. In addition to two major ventrolateral classes, we identified three distinct classes of dorsomedial VMH neurons. Consistent with previously suggested unique roles for leptin receptor (Lepr)-expressing VMH neurons, Lepr expression marked a single dorsomedial class. We also identified a class of glutamatergic VMH neurons that resides in the tuberal region, anterolateral to the neuroanatomical core of the VMH. This atlas of conserved VMH neuron populations provides an unbiased starting point for the analysis of VMH circuitry and function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere69065
JournaleLife
Volume10
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cross-species analysis defines the conservation of anatomically segregated VMH neuron populations'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this