Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of orbitofrontal cortex in rodent model of Methamphetamine-induced sensitization

Due to the complexity and diversity of the cellular changes, our understanding of the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning behavioral sensitization remains incomplete, particularly, the role of non-neuronal cells. Therefore, the present study explored the single-cell transcriptional changes in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) - a region implicated in decision-making and reward-related behaviors in a rodent model of methamphetamine-induced sensitization. Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying dysfunction of microglial cells associated with the development of drug addiction.由于细胞变化具有复杂性与多样性，当前学界对行为敏化背后的确切分子与细胞机制的认知仍不完整，其中非神经元细胞所发挥的作用尤为待阐明。为此，本研究以甲基苯丙胺诱导敏化的啮齿类动物模型为研究对象，探究了眶额叶皮层（orbitofrontal cortex, OFC）——一个与决策制定及奖赏相关行为密切关联的脑区——内的单细胞转录变化。本研究为解析与药物成瘾发生发展相关的小胶质细胞功能异常的分子机制提供了新的见解。