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Sequencing the Human Brain at Single-Cell Resolution

  • Genetics and Neuroscience (B Maher, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes some of the most recent studies on single-cell resolution sequencing of the post-mortem human brain and the application of these techniques for the study of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Recent Findings

Over the last several years, researchers have optimized single-cell transcriptome and genome sequencing in post-mortem human brain tissue. This has given us unprecedented access to cell-type specific gene expression profiles and somatic mutations unique to pathological states. Additionally, we can now measure epigenetic information from individual brain cells and with advanced statistical approaches, we can focus on the key cell-types underlying psychiatric and other brain phenotypes.

Summary

A new era of cell-type specific and single-cell resolution studies of the human brain is underway. With proper application of rapidly advancing laboratory and data analysis techniques, we should witness important advances in our understanding of molecular changes associated with psychiatric and neurological phenotypes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Verdun, Québec, H4H 1R3, Canada

    Malosree Maitra, Corina Nagy & Gustavo Turecki

  2. Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

    Gustavo Turecki

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  1. Malosree Maitra
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  2. Corina Nagy
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  3. Gustavo Turecki
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Maitra, M., Nagy, C. & Turecki, G. Sequencing the Human Brain at Single-Cell Resolution. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 6, 197–208 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40473-019-00192-3

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