Lamination articles from across Nature Portfolio

While progress in early human cortical development is acknowledged, a limited understanding persists regarding transcriptomic and translational profiles in subplate neurons. Here, the authors discovered an enrichment of autism spectrum disorder risk genes in subplate neurons, underscoring the crucial role played by the RNA-binding protein CELF4 in translating synaptic mRNAs during neocortical development.

Experiments in zebrafish and human tissues show that, during retinal morphogenesis, emerging photoreceptor cells migrate in a bidirectional manner, which lessens competition for space and helps to ensure that the retina is formed correctly.

Parallel fiber location-dependent labeling of granule cells in the mouse cerebellum shows that their synaptic connections with presynaptic mossy fibers are likely to be the result of matched developmental timing.

A new spatial transcriptomic approach reveals astrocyte heterogeneity across layers of the mammalian cerebral cortex. Astrocytes diversify into superficial-, mid- and deep-layer subtypes distinct from neuronal laminae, yet instructed by neuronal cues.

Subtypes of pyramidal neurons influence the transcriptomic states of nearby microglia in the mouse somatosensory cortex.