Scientists Create First Detailed Map of Brain’s Action Hub

That gives researchers a way to study how the basal ganglia work in both healthy and diseased brains.

What the basal ganglia do

The basal ganglia are a group of interconnected structures deep in the brain. They play an important role in controlling voluntary movement, learning, decision-making and attention.

How the map was built

Researchers analyzed donated human brain tissue using single-cell sequencing, which reads the genetic activity of individual cells. They combined that data with advanced imaging to place different cell types in a three-dimensional map.

The work covers adult brains and early developmental stages, to show how the basal ganglia form. The teams also created similar atlases from mice, marmosets and non-human primates, so findings can be compared across species.

Early clues on autism and Parkinson's

The map has already pointed to possible changes in the brains of people with autism. Scientists compared genetic data with the reference map and identified possible disruptions in specific cell populations in the striatum, a major part of the basal ganglia.

The finding suggests autism-related brain differences may reach beyond the cerebral cortex, which has traditionally drawn much of the attention in autism research.

In a separate study, researchers used a targeted genetic technique in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. It raised dopamine precursor levels in specific striatal cells. The approach eased symptoms while reducing the severity of common side effects.

Open tools for other labs

Alongside the atlas, the scientists released open-source tools for analyzing and exploring brain data. They include software for preparing sequencing information and an online platform that lets users examine the atlas without specialist computing equipment.

The resource could help scientists pinpoint the brain cells involved in neurological disorders and support more precise treatments.