This research investigates the three-dimensional organization of the genome across diverse cell types in the mouse cerebral cortex. By integrating DNA and RNA imaging techniques, the study demonstrates that nuclear architecture and chromatin structure vary significantly between neurons and non-neuronal cells. These structural differences, including nuclear volume and higher- order chromosome folding, are closely linked to the cell's transcriptional activity and the expression of specific marker genes. The researchers also highlight the critical role of the MeCP2 protein in maintaining the segregation of active and inactive chromatin. Their findings suggest that MeCP2 regulates gene expression based on its radial position within the nucleus, offering new insights into neurological conditions like Rett syndrome. Overall, the work provides a comprehensive map of how genome spatial organization shapes cell-specific functions in the brain.

References:

• Liu S, Wang C Y, Zheng P, et al. Cell type–specific 3D-genome organization and transcription regulation in the brain[J]. Science Advances, 2025, 11(9): eadv2067.