Cell Atlas of the Mouse Brain
excitability, immune function, homeostasis, behavior, repro- duction, and metabolism. Te breadth of nonsensory GPCR jurisdiction implicates
these receptors in regulation of numerous complex traits: states of health and disease resulting from a combination of genetic factors and the environment [14]. In health, one major role that GPCRs play is in regulating metabolic activity, including insulin secretion, glucose homeostasis, appetite, sleep, calcium-sensing, heart rate, and blood pressure [15]. But when these processes go awry, GPCRs are implicated in complicated, difficult-to-treat diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, insomnia, heart disease, and numerous chronic illnesses. Having a cell atlas to better understand the expression
of specific GPCRs, neurons, and neural circuits that are responsible for these traits is instrumental to our understanding of how and why they malfunction to cause disease. Furthermore, a deeper cellular and molecular understanding of the pharmacologically relevant GPCR species will help direct a new generation of more potent, better-targeted drugs in each of these areas. In addition to their role in regulating metabolism and other
physiological processes, recent studies have found a prominent role for GPCRs in the aging brain and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, redoubling the need to find ways to study the underlying mechanisms of each [16]. Many scientists hypothesize that GPCR signaling over long periods slowly diminishes neuronal integrity and drives the progression of these neurodegenerative disorders. Insight drawn from the MERFISH Mouse Receptor Map may provide a springboard, revealing specific cell types and signaling receptors that may be involved in this process, narrowing down candidates for further study.
Conclusion Now that scientists have access to a MERFISH-
generated cell atlas of the brain, how might they use it to advance their research? Labs could already uncover a great deal of information about specific proteins, cells, or signaling pathways; however, by decoding the MERFISH Mouse Receptor Map, a lab can integrate all of its research and existing knowledge into greater context to reach unprecedented levels of insight. As these experts learn more
about their areas of focus, they may uncover new cellular pathways to investigate, as well as new proteins and cell types to zero in on. Grounded in shared reference materials like the MERFISH Mouse Receptor Map, studies about development, health, and disease will become more harmonized.
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