Multifunctional glial support by Semper cells in the Drosophila retina. Drosophila melanogaster

Using cell-restricted transcriptome analysis, here we show that Drosophila ommatidial cone (or Semper) cells are enriched for conserved glial regulators and effectors, including many characteristic of vertebrate retinal glia: Müller glia and astrocytes. Overall design: RNA-seq based analysis of Drosophila retinal cone cells (3 developmental stages) and photoreceptors. 1 sample per cell type - 4 total libraries sequenced.