FLI Colloquium with Özgün Gökce: Single cell and spatial transcriptome analyses reveal CD8 T cells as drivers of brain aging

Jena. A typical indication of aging in the nervous system is the decrease in volume and subsequent reduced function of the white matter. This is the nerve tissue of the central nervous system, primarily composed of the axons of nerve cells (neurons). The underlying mechanisms that lead to the described white matter pathology are still unknown.

Technologies such as spatial transcriptomics (ST) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have now enabled a groundbreaking discovery: Özgün Gökce's research group has found that microglia and oligodendrocyte identities in particular exhibit age-related alterations in white matter. To further characterize these cell reactions, the group used a refined technology developed in-house: ST-correlated electron microscopy (STcEM). This technology combines large-area scanning electron microscopy (EM) with multiplex error robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH) and links transcriptional identities of individual cells with ultrastructural data.

In his presentation, Gökce will offer evidence indicating that CD8+ T cell-induced, interferon-responsive oligodendrocytes and microglia play crucial roles as modifiers of white matter aging. Additionally, they are likely involved in neurodegenerative disorders.
 

Information about Özgün Gökce, PhD:

• Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn
• Research Group "Systems Neuroscience - Cell Diversity"
   

The colloquium will be a hybrid event. Details for accessing the session will be provided before the colloquium takes place. For external guests: Please contact Ivonne.Roeppnack-Jahnke@leibniz-fli.de for details.