# Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of C. elegans Q neuroblast lineage during migration and differentiation

## TL;DR

This study uses single-cell RNA sequencing to explore how Q neuroblasts in C. elegans migrate and differentiate, revealing new genes and molecular mechanisms involved in the process.

## Contribution

The study provides a high-resolution transcriptomic map of Q neuroblast lineage and identifies novel genes and Wnt-related expression patterns.

## Key findings

- Novel genes were identified in Q lineage cells, along with stage-specific gene expression patterns.
- Q parent cells show epithelial-like identity and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition during migration.
- Wnt-related genes like cwn-1 and cwn-2 show asymmetric expression and are linked to lineage progression.

## Abstract

Proper migration and differentiation of neuroblasts into neurons are essential for the development of a healthy nervous system. In this context, the asymmetrical migration of Caenorhabditis elegans Q neuroblasts provides a powerful model for studying the genetic aspects of neuronal migration in vivo at single-cell resolution. We isolated Q lineage cells at various stages of development using FACS and employed single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the migration and differentiation of these neuroblasts. We created a robust transcriptomic differentiation map of the Q neuroblast lineage and used established markers to identify each cell in the lineage. Our results revealed novel genes not previously described in these cells and linked the expression of known genes to specific stages of Q lineage progression. Furthermore, functional enrichment and imaging provided evidence that the parent Q cells are initially specified with an epithelial-like identity and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition during the early stages of migration. We also identified novel Wnt-related expression, including left-right asymmetric expression of cwn-1 and cwn-2, and the involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin asymmetry pathway in the Q lineage. Our work offers a high-resolution view of neuroblast development, showcasing the power of single-cell transcriptomics to reveal stage-specific regulatory programs.