Single cell gene expression profiling of adult WT and ipRGC-ablated prefrontal and motor cortices
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is a part of the limbic system engaged in higher-order functions ranging from behavioral flexibility to social cognition characteristically impaired in schizophrenia and autism. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are a major source of indirect input to this area by way of the recently discovered perihabenular nucleus (PHb). Here, we demonstrate that the integrity of the vmPFC is dependent on ipRGC input: Its loss in mice causes dendritic degeneration, dysregulation of genes involved in synaptic plasticity, and depressed neuronal activity in the vmPFC. These alterations are reflected in a profound inability to suppress emotional interference in behavior. Overall design: Single cell gene expression profiling of prefrontal cortex and motor cortex tissue collected from ipRGC-ablated ("DTA") and ipRGC-intact, ("CTRL") mice using the 10X Genomics 3' single cell gene expression V2 system. A total of 24383 prefrontal cortex cells (11815 CTRL, 12568 DTA) and 8602 motor cortex cells (6229 CTRL, 2373 DTA) were collected and analyzed.