More than fuel: Metabolic states shape cell fate in the human neocortex.

Developmentally regulated metabolic states, specifically glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway activity, influence radial glia fate decisions during human corticogenesis.

• Why it matters: Understanding whether metabolic changes drive or follow cell fate decisions is crucial for deciphering human brain development and potential neurodevelopmental interventions.
• What they did: Mil et al. analyzed primary human cortical tissue and cortical organoids to identify metabolic states and their role in cell fate, focusing on glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway activity.
• The result: The findings suggest that metabolic pathways actively shape radial glia fate decisions, highlighting metabolism as a key factor in human neocortical development.