Functional heterogeneity of dentate gyrus mossy cells along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus

Glutamatergic mossy cells (MCs) display unique connectivity by projecting their axons bilaterally along the longitudinal axis of the dentate gyrus (DG). However, it is unclear whether MCs are heterogeneous in their neuronal properties and functions. Here, we demonstrated within-cell-type heterogeneity of MC subpopulations depending on their dorsoventral location. Gene expression profiles of dMCs and vMCs were associated with different neurobiological processes including axon guidance, synaptic transmission, and neurometabolism. Despite common activation by external stimuli, dMCs, but not vMCs, provide net inhibitory control of granule cell excitability across the longitudinal axis of the DG. Intrinsic heterogeneity within MCs provides substantial mechanisms underlying functional differentiation as well as association across the longitudinal extent of the hippocampus.