Molecular logic for cellular specializations that initiate the auditory parallel processing pathways

This Paper of the Day study used single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and patch-clamp electrophysiology combined with single-cell RNA sequencing (Patch-seq) to comprehensively profile the cell types in the mouse cochlear nucleus (CN). The analysis identified 14 major transcriptionally distinct cell populations in the CN, including all previously described excitatory and inhibitory neuron types. The study also revealed molecular subtypes within classically defined cell types, such as bushy cells and T-stellate cells, which exhibited distinct anatomical preferences, response kinetics, and gene expression profiles. The authors found that cell type identity in the CN is defined by differential expression of specific transcription factor families, particularly the C2H2 zinc finger family. The study provides a detailed molecular atlas of CN cell types and insights into the mechanisms underlying the functional specialization and wiring specificity of auditory processing pathways.