Prefrontal cortex genetic map suggests brain maturation completes at age 24
A new genetic map of the prefrontal cortex suggests that human brain maturation processes reach a significant milestone around age 24. Research led by the PsychAD consortium and published in the journal Nature indicates that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region critical for complex cognitive functions like planning and impulse regulation, undergoes a distinct molecular rhythm change at this age.
To construct this comprehensive gene expression atlas, scientists analyzed over 1.3 million cell nuclei from post-mortem samples of 284 neurotypical donors ranging from birth to 97 years of age. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, the team observed how gene activity shifts across different cell types throughout the human lifespan.
The study reveals that molecular evolution in this brain region is not linear but occurs in three distinct phases: an intense remodeling period during development, a stage of relative stability throughout adulthood, and a reactivation of specific molecular programs during old age.
Entities
Nature · PsychAD consortium · dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
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- [● 3 SOURCES] A study published in the journal Nature suggests brain maturation processes complete around age 24. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.lne.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Researchers analyzed more than 1.3 million cell nuclei from post-mortem samples. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.lne.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The study used samples from 284 neurotypical donors aged between 0 and 97 years. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.lne.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Molecular evolution in the prefrontal cortex follows three stages: intense development remodeling, adult stability, and molecular reactivation in old age. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.lne.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] A molecular rhythm change was identified in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.lne.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The PsychAD consortium led the research identifying molecular changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.lne.es