Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Generation of Standardized and Reproducible Forebrain-type Cerebral Organoids from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: January 23, 2018
The new frontier in understanding human and mammalian brain development
Tomasz J Nowakowski1,2,3,4,5,6, Patricia R Nano7, Katherine S Matho8,9
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. Tomasz.nowakowski@ucsf.edu.
Insights
Cell atlases of the developing brain reveal novel cell populations and developmental patterns across species. This research advances understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders affect 15% of children globally, with rising autism and ADHD diagnoses causing significant economic burden.
- The underlying mechanisms of these disorders remain poorly understood, hindering therapeutic advancements.
- Comprehensive cell atlases of developing brains are emerging as powerful tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight recent studies utilizing cell atlases of developing human and model organism brains.
- To explore how these atlases enhance understanding of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
- To outline future directions for brain development research and precision medicine.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of high-resolution gene expression, cell-type abundance, and spatial distribution data from brain cell atlases.
- Cross-species comparison of cell genesis, migration, and maturation patterns.
- Integration of multimodal and whole-brain data across developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Identification of novel developmental cell populations in the brain.
- Revealed conserved and divergent patterns of cell development across species (human, mouse, non-human primate).
- Initiated testing of hypotheses linking developmental processes to transcriptional control and complex behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Brain cell atlases provide critical insights into the origins and mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further cross-species and multimodal integration will deepen understanding of brain development and disease vulnerability.
- These atlases are essential for advancing precision medicine and developing novel therapies.
Abstract:
Neurodevelopmental disorders that cause cognitive, behavioural or motor impairments affect around 15% of children and adolescents worldwide1, with diagnoses of profound autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder increasing in the USA and contributing to a major economic burden2,3. Yet the origins and mechanisms of these conditions remain poorly understood, limiting progress in therapies. Comprehensive cell atlases of the developing human brain, alongside those of model organisms such as mice and non-human primates, are now providing high-resolution measures of gene expression, cell-type abundance and spatial distribution. In this Perspective, we highlight recent studies that have identified novel developmental cell populations, revealed conserved and divergent patterns of cell genesis, migration and maturation across species, and begun testing hypotheses that link them to processes ranging from transcriptional control of cell fate specification to the emergence of complex behaviours. We present remaining conceptual and technical challenges and provide an outlook on how further studies of human and mammalian brain development can empower a deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Future efforts expanding to additional developmental stages, including adolescence, as well as whole-brain, multimodal and cross-species integration, will yield new insights into how development shapes the brain. These atlases promise to serve as essential references for unravelling mechanisms of brain function and disease vulnerability, and for advancing precision medicine.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Neurulation
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
01:20Anatomy of the Brain: Major Regions
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect...
01:26Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview I
01:11Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II
01:30Organization of the Brain
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...