Cross-species single-cell atlas of the striatum defines cell-type and subregion disease vulnerabilities.

Single-cell atlas reveals 109 human and 22 mouse striatal cell types and subregion vulnerabilities, highlighting species differences and disease implications.

• Why it matters: Understanding the cellular and molecular basis of striatal functions and their disease susceptibilities is crucial for developing targeted therapies for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, yet these mechanisms remain poorly characterized.
• What they did: Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing on a large sample set, the study mapped neuronal subpopulations, transcriptional gradients, and species differences, integrating genetic and pharmacological data to identify vulnerable cell types.
• The result: The research uncovers specific cell subtypes and subregions linked to disease, such as opioid receptor-rich areas and regions affected in Huntington's disease, providing a foundation for targeted interventions.