Spatial transcriptomics defines the cell-specific RNA landscape of equine dorsal root ganglia.
Authors: Finno Carrie J, Rogers Stefan-Laural, Donnelly Callum G, Affolter Verena K, Woolard Kevin, Miller Andrew D, Bellone Rebecca R, Petersen Jessica L
Journal: Veterinary pathology
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Mapping Gene Expression in Equine Spinal Nerve Tissue Spinal cord and nerve degenerative diseases represent significant clinical challenges in sport and racing horses, yet our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions remains limited. Finno and colleagues employed spatial transcriptomics—a sophisticated technique that maps gene expression whilst preserving tissue architecture—to create the first detailed molecular profile of equine dorsal root ganglia (the sensory nerve clusters along the spinal cord) in healthy horses. Using the NanoString GeoMx platform with human cell markers successfully adapted for equine tissue, the team identified distinct molecular signatures across different ganglia regions: myelination-related genes clustered in myelin-rich areas, whilst inflammatory and immune-related genes concentrated in microglial regions. This foundational work establishes a critical reference baseline for comparing healthy tissue against degenerative disease states, enabling researchers and clinicians to understand which specific cellular processes become dysregulated during conditions like equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy. For equine professionals managing horses with neurological disease, these tools represent a pathway toward more precise diagnosis and potentially targeted therapeutic interventions based on underlying molecular pathology rather than clinical presentation alone.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This foundational research establishes a validated method for studying gene expression changes in equine spinal cord tissue, which may eventually help understand and diagnose spinal neurodegenerative conditions that end careers in sport and racing horses
- •The ability to map cell-specific transcriptional changes in diseased DRG could lead to earlier detection or better understanding of equine spinal pathology
- •Current clinical applications are limited; this is fundamental research establishing tools for future disease investigation
Key Findings
- •Four human cell markers (MAP2, MBP, IBA1/AIF1, Syto83) demonstrated high fidelity for identifying equine dorsal root ganglia cell types
- •Myelination-associated genes were enriched in MBP-rich regions of equine DRG tissue
- •Glia-specific genes showed enrichment in IBA1-high regions, validating spatial transcriptomic methodology in equine tissue
- •Spatial transcriptomics with human markers successfully characterizes cell-specific gene expression patterns in healthy equine dorsal root ganglia