Scientists Create First-Ever Map of developing Human Brain, Offering New Hope for Treating Neurological Disorders
SEATTLE, WA – November 5, 2024 – Researchers at the allen Institute have unveiled the first extensive map detailing the formation of the human brain, a breakthrough poised to reshape understanding of neurological conditions and possibly unlock new treatment avenues. The landmark achievement, published today, charts the dynamic changes occurring in the brain as it develops in utero, revealing how experiences after birth considerably influence it’s architecture.
This detailed atlas focuses on the first trimester of brain development, a period critical for establishing the foundations of neural circuitry. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the rigidity of brain development, suggesting that experiences - such as sight, sound, and interaction – exert a far greater influence than previously understood. This opens a window for potential interventions during crucial developmental periods, offering hope for treating conditions once thought to be immutable. The Allen Institute estimates this research could impact the 1 in 54 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and also those affected by schizophrenia, epilepsy, and intellectual disability.
The research team meticulously tracked the expression of genes across thousands of individual cells as the brain evolved from its earliest stages. This revealed that the brain isn’t simply “hardwired” at birth, but rather continues to be sculpted by external stimuli. “This finding suggests that experiences after birth…can influence brain development much more than we thought,” explained the Allen Institute in a statement. “Developmental disorders could remain treatable after birth, during these critical periods.”
The map provides an unprecedented resource for scientists investigating the origins of neurological disorders, allowing them to pinpoint when and where developmental processes go awry. Researchers can now compare the gene expression patterns of healthy developing brains to those of individuals with neurological conditions, potentially identifying targets for therapeutic intervention. The Allen Institute plans to make the data publicly available, accelerating research and collaboration across the scientific community.