Researchers uncover distinct zones and age-associated changes in a key brain area

According to Broad Institute:

Background and Findings

Researchers at the Broad Institute, as part of the BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN), conducted studies focusing on the striatum, a key brain structure involved in movement, decision-making, and neurodegenerative conditions. Analyzing postmortem human brain tissues using single-cell RNA sequencing, the researchers report that cell-type proportions vary significantly between individuals, particularly for non-neuronal cells like astrocytes and microglia.

Spatial Mapping and Aging

Using a spatial mapping technique known as Slide-tags, the team identified six molecular zones within the striatum where projection neurons exhibit distinct gene expression patterns. Furthermore, analyzing these zones across brains of various ages revealed that the boundaries between these molecular zones blur in older brains, showing less distinction in gene expression.

Methodology and Outlook

The researchers also developed a new computational framework, multiVIB, to integrate large-scale single-cell datasets. These studies provide foundational resources and workflows to help researchers investigate brain disorders and eventually map the cellular architecture of the entire human brain.