Sibling Cell size contributes to cell cycle progression and cell fate decisions in asymmetrically dividing Drosophila neural stem cells

We used 10x single cell RNAseq technology to explore the differences in cell types generated by aberrant division of neuroblasts. Drosophila neuroblasts, neuronal stem cells, divide asymmetrically such that the apical, large cell renews as a neuroblast and the basal, small cell is destined to become either a neuron or a glial cell. We use two manipulations that result in symmetric or inverted asymmetric divisions of neuroblasts. We used single cell RNA sequencing to learn more about the effects that symmetric and inverted divisions have on both neuroblast and neuronal identity. Overall design: Drosophila larvae were allowed to grow from 72-96hr after egg laying. Larval brains were dissected and type 1 neuroblasts and their lineages expressing our two genetic manipulations, as well as type 1 lineages in control brains, were captured with FACS sorting.