Ugomma C. Eze

The paper uses single-cell RNA-sequencing to identify dynamic molecular signatures during cortical arealization in the human brain, revealing gene expression patterns that define distinct cortical areas.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of 289,000 first-trimester human brain cells identifies nine telencephalic progenitor subpopulations, a transient mesenchymal-like population, human-enriched C1orf61+ and ID4+ progenitors, and low early organoid fidelity.

In primary human cortical tissue and stem cell-derived organoids, SARS-CoV-2 infects astrocytes almost exclusively, apparently through DPP4 rather than ACE2, leaving them reactive and stressed.

This study characterizes 3D epigenomic landscapes during human corticogenesis, revealing chromatin looping and super interactive promoters involved in lineage-specific gene regulation.