The article details the new frontiers in understanding human and mammalian brain development through the creation of comprehensive cell atlases. These atlases, built using advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics, are aimed at defining the extraordinary cellular diversity and tracing the developmental trajectories of cell types across different species and developmental stages. The article highlights several recent studies that have led to landmark discoveries, such as identifying species-specific differences in neurogenesis and defining the molecular programs of cell fate specification. Ultimately, the work discusses how these growing data resources will serve as crucial references for understanding the mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders and for advancing precision medicine and cell-based therapies.

References:

• Nowakowski T J, Nano P R, Matho K S, et al. The new frontier in understanding human and mammalian brain development[J]. Nature, 2025, 647(8088): 51-59.