MicroRNAs are necessary for the emergence of Purkinje cell identity

Brain computations are dictated by the unique morphology and connectivity of neuronal subtypes, features established by closely timed developmental events. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical for brain development, but current technologies lack the spatiotemporal resolution to determine how miRNAs instruct the steps leading to subtype identity. Here, we developed new tools to tackle this major gap. Fast and reversible miRNA loss-of-function revealed that miRNAs are necessary for cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) differentiation, which previously appeared miRNA-independent, and resolved distinct miRNA critical windows in PC dendritogenesis and climbing fiber synaptogenesis, key determinants of PC identity. To identify underlying mechanisms, we generated a mouse model, which enables precise mapping of miRNAs and their targets in rare cell types. With PC-specific maps, we found that the PC-enriched miR-206 drives exuberant dendritogenesis and modulates synaptogenesis. Our results showcase vastly improved approaches for dissecting miRNA function and reveal that many critical miRNA mechanisms remain largely unexplored. HighlightsO_LIFast miRNA loss-of-function with T6B impairs postnatal Purkinje cell development C_LIO_LIReversible T6B reveals critical miRNA windows for dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis C_LIO_LIConditional Spy3-Ago2 mouse line enables miRNA-target network mapping in rare cells C_LIO_LIPurkinje cell-enriched miR-206 regulates its unique dendritic and synaptic morphology C_LI