We sought to characterize cellular heterogeneity in the human cerebral cortex at a molecular level during cortical neurogenesis. We captured single cells and generated sequencing libraries using the C1TM Single-Cell Auto Prep System (Fluidigm), the SMARTer Ultra Low RNA Kit (Clontech), and the Nextera XT DNA Sample Preparation Kit (Illumina). We performed unbiased clustering of the single cells and further examined transcriptional variation among cell groups interpreted as radial glia. Within this population, the major sources of variation related to cell cycle progression and the stem cell niche from which radial glia were captured. We found that outer subventricular zone radial glia (oRG cells) preferentially express genes related to extracellular matrix formation, migration, and stemness, including TNC, PTPRZ1, FAM107A, HOPX, and LIFR and related this transcriptional state to the position, morphology, and cell behaviors previously used to classify the cell type. Our results suggest that oRG cells maintain the subventricular niche through local production of growth factors, potentiation of growth factor signals by extracellular matrix proteins, and activation of self-renewal pathways, thereby contributing to the developmental and evolutionary expansion of the human neocortex. For study version 2, we have updated this data set to include additional primary cells that we infer to represent microglia, endothelial cells, and immature astrocytes, as well as additional cells from the developing neural retina, and from iPS-cell derived cerebral organoids. The genes distinguishing these cell populations may reveal biological processes supporting the diverse functions of these cell types as well as vulnerabilities of specific cell types in human genetic diseases and in viral infections. For study version 3, we have updated the data set to include additional primary cells, including those published in Nowakowski et al., 2017 (PMID:<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29217575">29217575</a>). For study version 4, we have additionally performed parallel analyses of transcriptomes and physiological responses of 476 single cells isolated from developing human cortex. As a result, we were able to identify physiological response profiles of specific progenitor and neuronal cell types during human cortical development.For study version 5, we have additionally performed bulk RNA sequencing of organotypic primary cultures from the developing human cortex with or without exposure to SARS-CoV-2 to understand the infectability and transcriptomic effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the developing human cortex.For study version 6, we investigated the impact of LIFR signaling on neural proliferation and differentiation of human oRG cells. Specifically, we isolated oRG cells from the primary developing neocortex and cultured them for four weeks with and without LIF treatment. We then performed single-cell RNA sequencing using the Chromium Single Cell 3’ Reagent Kits (v3.1, Dual index) from 10x Genomics to understand the molecular and cellular changes of oRG differentiation upon LIF treatment.

Cellular Diversity of the Developing Human Cerebral Cortex

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