Work

Cross-species spatial transcriptomic atlas of the basal ganglia

Year: 2026

Type: other

Abstract: The basal ganglia are interconnected subcortical nuclei with complex topographical organization that orchestrate goal-directed behaviors and are implicated in neurodegenerative movement disorders. We generated a cellular-resolution, spatial transcriptomic atlas of the basal ganglia in human, rhesus macaque, and common marmoset, sampling over one million cells in each species. By integrating spatial data with a cross-species, consensus snRNA-seq cell type taxonomy, this atlas reveals conserved principles of molecular organization within and across structures. The cellular architecture is complex but highly stereotyped, with gene expression gradients superimposed onto discrete compartments. Extensive spatial sampling illuminates 3D gradients of molecular organization in the striatum and reveals cell type-specific core and shell compartments in the primate internal globus pallidus. This unified, cross-species spatial transcriptomic atlas will be a foundational resource for characterizing the molecular and functional organization of the basal ganglia and their roles in health and disease.

Source: Brain Image Library

DOI: 10.35077/g.1211

Authors: Allen Institute for Brain Science, Lein, Ed, Zeng, Hongkui, Long, Brian, Close, Jennie, Seeman, Stephanie, Turner, Meghan, Hewitt, Madeleine, Hodge, Rebecca, McMillen, Delissa, Martin, Naomi, Valera Cuevas, Nasmil, Olsen, Paul, Campos, Jazmin, VanNess, Marshall, Nagra, Josh

Institution: Allen Institute for Brain Science

Topic: Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health

Award: Functionally guided adult whole brain cell atlas in human and NHP

OpenAlex ID: W7204529178

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