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RNA Regulatory Networks in Neuronal Cell Type Diversity and Function

Award Number: R01NS125018
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 12/01/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 11/30/2026

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RNA Regulatory Networks in Neuronal Cell Type Diversity and Function - PROJECT SUMMARY RNA regulatory networks in neuronal cell type diversity and function The mammalian brain is probably the most complex organ in the body and its proper function requires coordination of many diverse types of excitatory and inhibitory neurons that form distinct functional circuitries. Characterization of neuronal cell types is fundamental to understand not only how the brain works, but also how specific cell types are selectively affected in multiple neuronal disorders and how this process can be reversed. A large number of neuronal cell types were recently defined based on their gene expression profiles in bulk and single cells, and these cell types are organized into a hierarchical cell taxonomy. Alternative splicing is a mechanism to generate multiple transcript and protein variants with distinct functions, thus providing a major driving force of the molecular diversity in mammals. The overarching goal of my research group is to understand the contribution of alternative splicing and the underlying RNA-regulatory networks in the brain and brain-related disorders. Previous work from multiple groups, including ours, unambiguously demonstrated that the brain has unique splicing-regulatory programs compared to non-neuronal tissues. Our studies also revealed the establishment of a pan-neuronal splicing program regulated by multiple RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) during neural development, and demonstrated the important role of the Rbfox protein family in regulating axonal maturation and neuronal excitability. However, how alternative splicing contributes to the distinct molecular profiles of diverse neuronal cell types in the cortex is currently poorly understood. We hypothesize that the transcriptome diversity generated by highly regulated alternative exons is a major component that specifies neuronal cell type identity and function. In this application, we describe our preliminary analysis of neuronal cell type-specific alternative splicing regulation in mouse cortex, which provides strong support for the following specific aims we would like to pursue: 1) Perform systematic analysis of neuronal cell type-specific alternative splicing to identify novel neuronal subclasses and regulators using deep sc-RNA-seq data. 2) Validate our computational predictions and characterize mechanisms of neuronal cell type-specific splicing regulation and function using two complementary model systems: the distinction of two major subclasses of GABAergic interneurons originating from caudal (CGE) and medial (MGE) ganglionic eminences, and a GABAergic neuron- specific microexon in Ank3/Ankyrin G. To achieve our goal, we will use a multidisciplinary approach that integrates cutting-edge statistical an machine learning methods and multiple in vitro and in vivo experimental models. This study will generate a global and mechanistic view of precise alternative splicing regulation across diverse neuronal cell types and illuminate its impact on neuronal structural and functional properties.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $540,830 )
2026	2026	THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK	630 W 168TH ST FL 4	NEW YORK	NY	10032	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	5	12/22/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$540,830
														Subtotal = $540,830

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $549,057 )
2025	2025	THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK	630 W 168TH ST FL 4	NEW YORK	NY	10032	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	4	12/23/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$549,057
														Subtotal = $549,057

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $591,564 )
2024	2024	TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THE	630 W 168TH ST FL 4	NEW YORK	NY	10032	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	3	11/22/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$548,872
2024	2024	THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK	630 W 168TH ST FL 4	NEW YORK	NY	10032	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	002	3	5/3/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$18,294
2024	2024	THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK	630 W 168TH ST FL 4	NEW YORK	NY	10032	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	3	4/11/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$60,986
														Subtotal = $591,564

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $650,052 )
2023	2023	TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THE	630 W 168TH ST FL 4	NEW YORK	NY	10032	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	002	2	4/21/2023	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$29,490
2023	2023	TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THE	630 W 168TH ST FL 4	NEW YORK	NY	10032	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	2	1/30/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$62,057
2023	2023	TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THE	630 W 168TH ST FL 4	NEW YORK	NY	10032	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	11/22/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$558,505
														Subtotal = $650,052

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $624,986 )
2022	2022	TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THE	630 W 168TH ST FL 4	NEW YORK	NY	10032	NEW YORK	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	11/24/2021	NEW	$624,986
														Subtotal = $624,986

Grand Total All Awards = $2,956,489

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RNA Regulatory Networks in Neuronal Cell Type Diversity and Function

Award Number: R01NS125018

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 12/01/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 11/30/2026

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