Molecular basis for catecholaminergic neuron diversity.
Catecholaminergic neurons control diverse cognitive, motor, and endocrine functions and are associated with multiple psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. We present global gene-expression profiles that define the four major classes of dopaminergic (DA) and noradrenergic neurons in the brain. Hypothalamic DA neurons and noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus display distinct group-specific signatures of transporters, channels, transcription, plasticity, axon-guidance, and survival factors. In contrast, the transcriptomes of midbrain DA neurons of the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area are closely related with <1% of differentially expressed genes. Transcripts implicated in neural plasticity and survival are enriched in ventral tegmental area neurons, consistent with their role in schizophrenia and addiction and their decreased vulnerability in Parkinson's disease. The molecular profiles presented provide a basis for understanding the common and population-specific properties of catecholaminergic neurons and will facilitate the development of selective drugs.
Grimm
Jan
J
Rinat Neuroscience, 3155 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. grimm@rinatneuro.com
Mueller
Anne
A
Hefti
Franz
F
Rosenthal
Arnon
A
D000818:Animals; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D009474:Neurons / Q000145:classification* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D017966:Pyramidal Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D002395:Catecholamines; D012313:RNA; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide