On November 5, Professor Sun Tao’s team from the School of Medicine of Huaqiao University published a paper titled “Molecular lineages and spatial distributions of subplate neurons in the human fetal cerebral cortex” in Advanced Science online. The study systematically reveals the growth patterns of subplate neurons in the human fetal cerebral cortex.

To investigate the development and molecular characterization of subplate neurons in the cortex, the researchers collected and analyzed a large number of human embryonic samples, spanning gestational weeks 10 to 25. They employed spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing to create a detailed molecular map and trajectories of SPNs, highlighting their critical role in cortical development.

The paper presents three significant findings:

1. Origins and Molecular Characterization: The study identifies the origin and molecular features of subplate neurons. Marker genes for subplate neurons are first expressed in radial glial cells during early embryonic cortical development, indicating that specific radial glial cells can differentiate into subplate neurons. These neurons exhibit significant gene co-expression with early-born neurons, suggesting they represent a distinct type of early-born neuron.

2. Differentiation Lineage: The research explores the differentiation lineage of subplate neurons, identifying three subtypes that develop into cortical plate neurons. This indicates that subplate neurons serve as a vital source of cortical neurons during neurogenesis.

3. Role in Cortical Folding: The study reveals the significant role of subplate neurons in the folding process of the human cerebral cortex. Cortical folding begins during embryonic development to accommodate more neurons and glial cells, which is crucial for human brain evolution and complex cognitive functions. The study found high expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes in subplate neurons, particularly in the frontal lobe, suggesting a regional regulatory effect during cortical folding.

This research on the molecular origins and lineage characteristics of subplate neurons lays the groundwork for identifying new targets for emotional disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and depression.

Guo Xueyu, a master’s student at Huaqiao University, is the first author of the paper, and Professor Sun Tao is the corresponding author. Collaborating institutions include Cornell University, Xiamen University, and The First Hospital of Quanzhou. The research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Link to the article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202407137

(Editor: Wei Linying)