Evaluating microglial phenotypes using single-cell technologies

Roman Sankowski; Gianni Monaco; Marco Prinz

doi:10.1016/j.tins.2021.11.001

Evaluating microglial phenotypes using single-cell technologies

Trends Neurosci. 2022 Feb;45(2):133-144. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.11.001. Epub 2021 Dec 4.

Authors

Roman Sankowski¹, Gianni Monaco², Marco Prinz³

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Berta-Ottenstein-Programme for Clinician Scientists, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Single-Cell Omics Platform Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
² Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Single-Cell Omics Platform Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
³ Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Electronic address: marco.prinz@uniklinik-freiburg.de.

PMID: 34872773
DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.11.001

Abstract

Recent single-cell technologies have enabled researchers to simultaneously assess the transcriptomes and other modalities of thousands of cells within their spatial context. Here, we have summarized available single-cell methods for dissociated tissues and tissue slides with respect to the specifics of microglial biology. We have focused on next-generation-based technologies. We review the potential of these single-cell sequencing methods and newer multiomics approaches to extend the understanding of microglia function beyond the status quo.

Keywords: immunity; microglia; multiomics; single-cell sequencing; spatial context.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Microglia*
Phenotype
Transcriptome*