Scientists create largest-ever map of brain region tied to Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and autism

An international team of scientists has created the most detailed cross-species atlas yet of the basal ganglia, a small but important brain region involved in movement, decision-making, habits and emotions. By mapping its cells in unprecedented detail, the researchers aim to improve understanding of brain function and disorders including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and autism.

The team profiled 25.5 million cells from human, macaque and marmoset brains, and produced comparable maps for mice. Across 26 papers, the work combines information on gene activity, epigenetic regulation, cell shape, location and electrical activity. Researchers also identified a rare cell type linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; the atlas is part of a broader US initiative to catalogue every cell type in the brain.