New atlas maps basal ganglia cells linked to schizophrenia and Parkinson's

Scientists released the first comprehensive, multi-species atlas of basal ganglia cell types from humans, macaques, marmosets, and mice, potentially clarifying how different cells contribute to brain diseases like schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and addiction. The atlas, published in a package of 28 papers in Cell and other Cell Press journals, was funded by the NIH's Brain Initiative Cell Atlas Network. Researchers used the NeMO Archive to integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and spatial data from over 50 million brain cells, making it openly accessible for global scientists. Key findings include genetic changes in basal ganglia cells linked to autism, and a new brain cell type associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The open data ecosystem aims to enable discoveries beyond individual studies, according to contributing investigator Owen White.