STOmics technology:BGI Stereomics Stereo-Seq

Data type:Spatial transcriptomics

Sample scope:Multispecies

Summary:The evolution of amniotes heralded the emergence of intricate brain organization, particularly in the telencephalon, but its genoarchitectonic identity and evolutionary trajectory remain enigmatic. By constructing spatial transcriptomic atlases of the zebra finch and turtle telencephalon, we enable unparalleled comparisons among sauropsids (reptiles and birds), extending to amphibians (axolotls) and mammals (mice and macaques) allowing us to decipher the evolutionary origins of the complex DVR subregions in birds. We uncovered two divergent gene regulatory models during the evolution of the amniote telencephalon: the 'coupled model', characterized by a conserved regulatory relationship between transcription factors (TFs) and effector genes across species, and the 'shift model', where this regulatory relationship varies across species. Notably, we deciphered the molecular mechanism by which the avian DVR and mammalian neocortex recruit the same effector genes via divergent transcription factors, underscoring their convergent evolution. Collectively, our data shed light on the nuanced evolutionary relationships within the telencephalon among amniote lineages, providing a new fundamental understanding of brain evolution.

Contributor(s):Zhenkun Zhuang.

Submitter:Fubaoqian Huang(Paul),BGI-Hangzhou

Release date:2024-06-20

Updated:2024-06-20