The paper reports the creation of a comprehensive transcriptomic and epigenomic cell-type atlas for the developing mouse visual cortex, spanning from embryonic to adult stages. Researchers employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus Multiome (snMultiome) to map the continuous diversification of excitatory, inhibitory, and non-neuronal cell subclasses, providing an unprecedented molecular timeline of development. The atlas systematically categorized thousands of differentially expressed (DE) genes and differentially accessible (DA) chromatin regions associated with specific cell types and developmental ages. Furthermore, the study identified key transcription factor (TF) regulators and complex gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that drive cell-type specification and maturation, particularly noting bursts of cell diversification following eye opening. The data serves as a detailed dynamic molecular map to facilitate future studies on brain circuit development.

References:

• Gao Y, van Velthoven C T J, Lee C, et al. Continuous cell-type diversification in mouse visual cortex development[J]. Nature, 2025, 647(8088): 127-142.