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Cellular resolution anatomical and molecular atlases for prenatal human brains
Author(s) -
Ding SongLin,
Royall Joshua J.,
Lesnar Phil,
Facer Benjamin A.C.,
Smith Kimberly A.,
Wei Yina,
Brouner Kristina,
Dalley Rachel A.,
Dee Nick,
Dolbeare Tim A.,
Ebbert Amanda,
Glass Ian A.,
Keller Nika H.,
Lee Felix,
Lemon Tracy A.,
Nyhus Julie,
Pendergraft Julie,
Reid Robert,
Sarreal Melaine,
Shapovalova Nadiya V.,
Szafer Aaron,
Phillips John W.,
Sunkin Susan M.,
Hohmann John G.,
Jones Allan R.,
Hawrylycz Michael J.,
Hof Patrick R.,
Ng Lydia,
Bernard Amy,
Lein Ed S.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of comparative neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 209
eISSN - 1096-9861
pISSN - 0021-9967
DOI - 10.1002/cne.25243
Subject(s) - cytoarchitecture , biology , neuroscience , human brain , entorhinal cortex , olfactory bulb , hippocampal formation , central nervous system
Increasing interest in studies of prenatal human brain development, particularly using new single‐cell genomics and anatomical technologies to create cell atlases, creates a strong need for accurate and detailed anatomical reference atlases. In this study, we present two cellular‐resolution digital anatomical atlases for prenatal human brain at postconceptional weeks (PCW) 15 and 21. Both atlases were annotated on sequential Nissl‐stained sections covering brain‐wide structures on the basis of combined analysis of cytoarchitecture, acetylcholinesterase staining, and an extensive marker gene expression dataset. This high information content dataset allowed reliable and accurate demarcation of developing cortical and subcortical structures and their subdivisions. Furthermore, using the anatomical atlases as a guide, spatial expression of 37 and 5 genes from the brains, respectively, at PCW 15 and 21 was annotated, illustrating reliable marker genes for many developing brain structures. Finally, the present study uncovered several novel developmental features, such as the lack of an outer subventricular zone in the hippocampal formation and entorhinal cortex, and the apparent extension of both cortical (excitatory) and subcortical (inhibitory) progenitors into the prenatal olfactory bulb. These comprehensive atlases provide useful tools for visualization, segmentation, targeting, imaging, and interpretation of brain structures of prenatal human brain, and for guiding and interpreting the next generation of cell census and connectome studies.