Xiaoqun Wang - Human Brain Genomics: A Journey through Development, Evolution and Disease

The presentation primarily focused on the classification, distribution, and development of neural progenitor cells, including radial glial cells (RG cells), intermediate progenitor cells (IPC) and outer radial glial cells (oRG). Through techniques such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, Professor Wang's team decoded the molecular characteristics of various types of neural progenitor cells and cell lineages during human brain development in different regions. They explored the transformation of neuroepithelial cells (NE cells) into RG cells and the critical signaling pathways involved in this process. Using the gene TMEM14B, which plays a significant role in cortical neurogenesis, Professor Wang introduced the cell types and gene expression profiles of human brain progenitor cells. This shed light on the diversity and evolution of gene expression in these cells. The team also utilized animal models and human-vascularized brain organoids to investigate the mechanisms of brain developmental disorders.