Decoding Nervous System by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

Background: Mammalian brain are composed of a large number of specialized cell types with diverse molecular composition, functions and differentiation potentials. The application of recently developed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in this filed has provided us new insights about this sophisticated system, deepened our understanding of the cell type diversity and led to the discovery of novel cell types. Results: Here we review recent progresses of applying this technology on studying brain cell heterogeneity, adult neurogenesis as well as brain tumors, then we discuss some current limitations and future directions of using scRNA-seq on the investagation of nervous system. Conclusions: We believe the application of single-cell RNA sequencing in neuroscience will accelerate the progress of big brain projects.