Cross-species single-cell spatial transcriptomic atlases of the cerebellar cortex

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genomics
• Comparative Biology

Background:

• The molecular and cellular structure of the primate cerebellum is not well understood.
• Understanding cerebellar organization is key to deciphering its role in complex functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create detailed spatial transcriptomic atlases of macaque, marmoset, and mouse cerebella.
• To identify primate-specific cell subtypes and compare gene expression patterns across species and cerebellar regions.
• To correlate gene expression with functional connectivity.

Main Methods:

• Single-cell spatial transcriptomics
• Comparative genomics
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Main Results:

• Identified primate-specific cell subtypes, including Purkinje cells and molecular-layer interneurons.
• Discovered distinct regional gene expression in anterior, posterior, and vestibular cerebellum.
• Observed species-specific patterns of regional gene expression, particularly in the granular and Purkinje layers.
• Matched gene expression gradients with functional connectivity gradients.

Conclusions:

• Established comprehensive atlases for primate and mouse cerebella.
• Provided insights into cerebellar evolution and species-specific functional organization.
• Laid the groundwork for future research on cerebellar function and disorders.