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Single‐cell transcriptomics reveals distinct inflammation‐induced microglia signatures
Author(s) -
Sousa Carole,
Golebiewska Anna,
Poovathingal Suresh K,
Kaoma Tony,
PiresAfonso Yolanda,
Martina Silvia,
Coowar Djalil,
Azuaje Francisco,
Skupin Alexander,
Balling Rudi,
Biber Knut,
Niclou Simone P,
Michelucci Alessandro
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.15252/embr.201846171
Subject(s) - microglia , inflammation , transcriptome , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , computational biology , neuroscience , gene , genetics , gene expression , immunology
Microglia are specialized parenchymal‐resident phagocytes of the central nervous system ( CNS ) that actively support, defend and modulate the neural environment. Dysfunctional microglial responses are thought to worsen CNS diseases; nevertheless, their impact during neuroinflammatory processes remains largely obscure. Here, using a combination of single‐cell RNA sequencing and multicolour flow cytometry, we comprehensively profile microglia in the brain of lipopolysaccharide ( LPS )‐injected mice. By excluding the contribution of other immune CNS ‐resident and peripheral cells, we show that microglia isolated from LPS ‐injected mice display a global downregulation of their homeostatic signature together with an upregulation of inflammatory genes. Notably, we identify distinct microglial activated profiles under inflammatory conditions, which greatly differ from neurodegenerative disease‐associated profiles. These results provide insights into microglial heterogeneity and establish a resource for the identification of specific phenotypes in CNS disorders, such as neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.