Single-cell transcriptomics reveals specific RNA editing signatures in the human brain

RNA. 2017 Jun;23(6):860-865. doi: 10.1261/rna.058271.116. Epub 2017 Mar 3.

Abstract

While RNA editing by A-to-I deamination is a requisite for neuronal function in humans, it is under-investigated in single cells. Here we fill this gap by analyzing RNA editing profiles of single cells from the brain cortex of living human subjects. We show that RNA editing levels per cell are bimodally distributed and distinguish between major brain cell types, thus providing new insights into neuronal dynamics.

Keywords: RNA editing; RNA-seq; single cell; transcriptome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Databases, Nucleic Acid
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • RNA Editing*
  • Single-Cell Analysis* / methods
  • Transcriptome*