Transcriptomics
Introduction
Transcriptomics is the study of RNA molecules within a specific cell under specific conditions [4]. This allows researchers to better understand which genes are expressed, and where they are expressed, in correlation with certain observed phenotypes. By better understanding which RNA molecules are being produced, unknown functions of certain gene products and unknown patterns of gene expression can be determine [2].
Transcriptomes are measured using strategies like microarrays and RNA-sequencing [1]. Now, single-cell RNA-sequencing can also be used to generate a more specific snapshot the transcriptome at different time points and cell states, opening up a new area of discovery within cell biology [2].
Transcriptomes are measured using strategies like microarrays and RNA-sequencing [1]. Now, single-cell RNA-sequencing can also be used to generate a more specific snapshot the transcriptome at different time points and cell states, opening up a new area of discovery within cell biology [2].
Results
Discussion
It is interesting that ROBO3 is so highly expressed in the epididymis and ovary - sex-specific tissue types. I know that the developing ovary is innervated before the testis, but I'm not sure if the expression of ROBO3 for axon guidance relates to this process in any way. Second most prevalent is the expression of ROBO3 in smooth muscle tissue. This demonstrates the cooperation of ROBO proteins and SLIT proteins in the process of myogenesis in embryonic development and with the formation of motor neurons [3]. And finally, and most unsurprisingly, ROBO3 is expressed in the brain (yellow regions) most highly in the cerebral cortex - where many of the sensory perception is processed. This relates to both the biological process of axon guidance, and of the relationship between ROBO3 mutations and synesthesia.
References
- Blackburn, Laura. "What Is Transcriptomics?". PHG Foundation, 2017, https://www.phgfoundation.org/blog/what-is-transcriptomics.
- Lowe, Rohan et al. "Transcriptomics Technologies". PLOS Computational Biology, vol 13, no. 5, 2017, p. e1005457. Public Library Of Science (Plos), doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005457. Accessed 20 Mar 2020.
- "ROBO3 - Roundabout Guidance Receptor 3". NCBI Gene, 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/64221.
- Sandberg, R. Entering the era of single-cell transcriptomics in biology and medicine. Nat Methods 11, 22–24 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmeth.2764