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A genetic map of the murine dorsal vagal complex and its role in obesity [single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq]

ABSTRACT: The brainstem dorsal vagal complex (DVC) is known to regulate energy balance and is the target of appetite suppressing hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Here we provide a comprehensive genetic map of the DVC and identify neuronal populations that control feeding. Combining bulk and single-nucleus gene expression and chromatin profiling of DVC cells, we reveal 25 neuronal populations with unique transcriptional and chromatin accessibility landscapes and peptide receptor expression profiles. GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist administration induces gene expression alterations specific to two distinct sets of Glp1r neurons – one population in the area postrema (AP) and one in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) that also expresses calcitonin receptor (Calcr). Transcripts and regions of accessible chromatin linked to obesity-associated genetic variants are enriched in AP and NTS neurons that express Glp1r and/or Calcr, and activation of several of these neuronal populations decreases feeding in rodents. Thus, DVC neuronal populations associated with obesity predisposition suppress feeding and may represent targets for therapy of obesity.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE166648 | GEO | 2021/02/12

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Objective: The area postrema (AP) and the nucleus tractus solitaris (NTS), located in the hindbrain, are key nuclei that sense and integrate peripheral nutritional signals and, consequently, regulate feeding behaviour. While single cell transcriptomics have been used in mice to reveal the gene expression profile and heterogeneity of key hypothalamic populations, similar in-depth studies have not yet been performed in the hindbrain. Methods: Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we provide a detailed survey of 16,034 cells within the AP and NTS of the mouse, in the fed and fasted state. Results: Of these, 8910 are neurons that group into 30 clusters, with 4289 coming from mice fed ad libitum and 4621 from overnight fasted mice. 7124 nuclei are from non-neuronal cells, including oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia. Interestingly, we identified that the oligodendrocyte population was particularly transcriptionally sensitive to an overnight fast. The receptors GLP1R, GIPR, GFRAL and CALCR, which bind GLP1, GIP, GDF15 and amylin respectively, are all expressed in the hindbrain and are major targets for anti-obesity therapeutics. We characterise the transcriptomes of these four populations and show that their gene expression profiles are not dramatically altered by an overnight fast. Notably, we find that roughly half of cells that express GIPR are oligodendrocytes. Additionally, we profile POMC expressing neurons within the hindbrain and demonstrate that 84% of POMC neurons express either PCSK1, PSCK2 or both, implying that melanocortin peptides are likely produced by these neurons. Conclusion: We provide a detailed single-cell level characterisation of AP and NTS cells expressing receptors for key anti-obesity drugs that are either already approved for human use or are in clinical trials. This resource will help delineate the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of these compounds, and also prove useful in the continued search for other novel therapeutic targets.