Dual lineage origins contribute to neocortical astrocyte diversity.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes are not a uniform population but exhibit diverse morphological, molecular, and functional characteristics. However, how this diversity originates and becomes establishes during development, remains largely unknown. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, we identify five astrocyte subtypes with unique molecular features, spatial distributions and functions in the mouse neocortex and characterize essential regulators for their formation. Using TrackerSeq to trace clonally related astrocytes, we identify two distinct lineages that give rise to these five subtypes. One lineage derives from Emx1⁺ radial glial cells that initially generate neurons and later switch to astrocyte production. The other, with minimal neuronal output, predominantly pr

SUBMITTER: Zhou J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12310952 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature