Publication Date

2015

Journal Title

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience

Abstract

Here, we propose a new approach to defining nerve "cell types" in reaction to recent advances in single cell analysis. Among cells previously thought to be equivalent, considerable differences in global gene expression and biased tendencies among differing developmental fates have been demonstrated within multiple lineages. The model of classifying cells into distinct types thus has to be revised to account for this intrinsic variability. A "cell type" could be a group of cells that possess similar, but not necessarily identical properties, variable within a spectrum of epigenetic adjustments that permit its developmental path toward a specific function to be achieved. Thus, the definition of a cell type is becoming more similar to the definition of a species: sharing essential properties with other members of its group, but permitting a certain amount of deviation in aspects that do not seriously impact function. This approach accommodates, even embraces the spectrum of natural variation found in various cell populations and consequently avoids the fallacy of false equivalence. For example, developing neurons will react to their microenvironments with epigenetic changes resulting in slight changes in gene expression and morphology. Addressing the new questions implied here will have significant implications for developmental neurobiology.

Volume Number

9

Pages

11

Document Type

Article

Status

Faculty

Facility

School of Medicine

Primary Department

Science Education

Additional Departments

Neurology

PMID

26733833

DOI

10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00342

Download

Share

COinS