RNA-sequencing of different peripheral neurons after crush injury in mice

Peripheral neurons are heterogeneous and functionally diverse, but all share the capability to switch to a pro-regenerative state after nerve injury. However, this response can differ among populations. Understanding the distinct intrinsic regenerative properties between neurons may help to improve the quality of regeneration, prioritizing the growth of axon subpopulations to their targets. With this aim, we analyze the translatome of four different neuron populations: motoneurons, proprioceptors, cutaneous mechanoreceptors, and nociceptors, in basal conditions and one week after a crush injury (at the sciatic nerve). By crossing specific adult Cre (Chat-cre, PV-cre, Npy2r-Cre, TRPV1-Cre) mice with Ribotag mice, we were able to isolate the specific translatomes for these four populations. Samples were sequenced using NextSeq 500 system (Illumina) in runs of 2x75 cycles, yelding at least 30 millions reads per sample.