Finally, we investigated select targets that were more regulated by miRNAs in PCs compared to PNs. Strikingly, we found that repression of Prag1, Vash1, Shank3 and En2 is critical for PC dendritic and CF synaptic development.

We then compared the miRNA-target networks of PCs vs pyramidal neurons (PNs) and found subsets of targets similarly expressed in both but differentially targeted by miRNAs in PCs or PNs, hinting at transcription-independent post-transcriptional programs instructing development.

Yao and Ian developed a new method SAP-seq, which allowed us to map miRNA-target networks in rare cells like PCs for the first time! 🤯 With maps from developing PCs, we asked how PC-specific miRNAs and targets might instruct its unique dendritic arborization and CF synapses.

Curious about the “when” of miRNA function, we developed an inducible and reversible version (DD-T6B), which allowed us to identify critical windows of miRNA regulation for PC dendritic vs CF synapses (without the confounding factor of cell death caused by extended miRNA loss)

During my PhD, I became fascinated with Purkinje cell (PC) dendritic trees and wanted to understand if/how miRNAs were regulating its growth. Digging through the literature we realized that existing tools for miRNAs were just not sensitive enough to access PC development. 🤔

Using my first post as an excuse to share one of my favorite images of a sparsely labeled Purkinje cell. I have the fortune of studying these beautiful neurons - specifically how microRNAs contribute to their remarkable dendritic arborization.

🧠🔬👩🏻‍🔬

#cerebellum #neurons #purkinjecell