This research introduces CCF-ME, a high-resolution mouse brain atlas developed by analyzing the dendritic microenvironments of over 100,000 neurons. Unlike traditional maps based on cell density, this framework groups neurons by integrating the morphological features of their local neighborhoods to reveal a more detailed anatomical organization. This innovative approach nearly doubles the number of identifiable brain regions, providing a finer-grained view than the standard Allen Common Coordinate Framework. The study demonstrates that these local structural patterns are highly predictive of long-range axonal connections, particularly within the hippocampus. By aligning structural granularity with functional and projection specificity, the atlas offers a robust tool for understanding the relationship between neuronal shape and global brain connectivity. Undergoing rigorous validation, the microenvironment representation proves more effective than single-neuron analysis in identifying distinct subregions and spatial patterns.

References:

• Liu Y, Zhao S, Yun Z, et al. A mouse brain atlas based on dendritic microenvironments[J]. Nature Neuroscience, 2026, 29(1): 111-122.