Sensory functions of the vagus nerve are critical for specific aware perceptions and for monitoring visceral functions in the cardio-pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems. Here we present a comprehensive identification, classification, and validation of the neuron types in the neural crest (jugular) and placode (nodose) derived vagal ganglia by single cell transcriptomic (scRNA-seq) analysis. Our results reveal major differences between neurons derived from different embryonic origins. Jugular neurons exhibit fundamental similarities to the somatosensory spinal neurons, including major types such as C-low threshold mechanoreceptors (C-LTMRs), A-LTMRs, A-nociceptors, cold-, and mechano-heat C-nociceptors. In contrast, the nodose ganglion contains 18 distinct types dedicated to surveying the physiological state of the internal body. Our results reveal a vast diversity of vagal neuron types including many previously unanticipated types as well as proposed types that are consistent with chemoreceptors, nutrient detectors, baroreceptors, and stretch and volume mechanoreceptors of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems. SOURCE: Jussi Kupari (jkupari@gmail.com) - Ernfors Karolinska Institutet

Pluto Bioinformatics

GSE124312: An atlas of vagal sensory neurons and their molecular specialization