Transcriptomic cytoarchitecture reveals principles of human neocortex organization

Variation in cytoarchitecture is the basis for the histological definition of cortical areas. We used single cell transcriptomics and performed cellular characterization of the human cortex to better understand cortical areal specialization. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing of 8 areas spanning cortical structural variation showed a highly consistent cellular makeup for 24 cell subclasses. However, proportions of excitatory neuron subclasses varied substantially, likely reflecting differences in connectivity across primary sensorimotor and association cortices. Laminar organization of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes also differed across areas. Primary visual cortex showed characteristic organization with major…

• WU
  Washington University in St. Louis
• NA
  Nancy and Buster Alvord Endowment
• KO
  Knut och Alice Wallenbergs Stiftelse

  Award: 2018.0220
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: U19MH114830, U01MH114812
• NI
  National Institute of Mental Health

  Awards: U19MH114830, U01MH114812