Lunatic Fringe-GFP Marks Lamina-Specific Astrocytes That Regulate Sensory Processing

Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell in the brain and perform a wide range of tasks that support neuronal function and circuit activities. There is emerging evidence that astrocytes exhibit molecular and cellular heterogeneity; however, whether distinct subpopulations perform these diverse roles remains poorly defined. Here we show that the Lunatic Fringe-GFP (Lfng-GFP) bacteria artificial chromosome mouse line from both sexes specifically labels astrocyte populations within lamina III and IV of the dorsal spinal cord. Transcriptional profiling of Lfng-GFP(+) astrocytes revealed unique molecular profiles, featuring an enriched expression of Notch- and Wnt- pathway components. Leveraging CRE-DOG viral tools, we ablated Lfng-GFP(+) astrocytes, which decreased neuronal activity in lamina III and IV and impaired mechanosensation associated with light touch. Together, our findings identify Lfng-GFP(+) astrocytes as a unique subpopulation that occupies a distinct anatomic location in the spinal cord and directly contributes to neuronal function and sensory responses.

Automated summary

Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell in the brain, perform various tasks to support neuronal function and circuit activities. Through the study of astrocytes, a unique subpopulation called Lfng-GFP(+) astrocytes was identified, which occupies a distinct anatomic location in the spinal cord and directly contributes to neuronal function and sensory responses.