# Comparative Genomics of Precursor Diversity and Function

> **NIH NIH R01** · CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 2022 · $663,734

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The neocortex is the most complex cellular system in the natural world, the seat of motor, sensory and
executive function. While many of the mechanisms responsible for neocortical formation are known, key
aspects of how gene expression and cellular behavior lead to species-specific features of the neocortex remain
to be discovered. Recent advances in genomic analysis and in vivo cellular labeling enable study of cortical
development at an unprecedented level of resolution. In particular, some human-specific genes and neural
precursor cells have been detected and current evidence suggests that increased proliferative capacity and
longer neurogenesis times enable the expanded growth of the primate neocortex. In this project using
archived tissue, we will comprehensively compare the heterogeneous groups of neural precursor cells in
mouse, macaque, chimpanzee and human neocortex. Using single cell and single nucleus RNA sequencing
and implementation of novel molecular labeling tools, we will compare genomic signatures and in vivo behavior
of these cells to uncover mechanisms of brain growth and evolution. A significant focus of this project will be
on a precursor type called the basal radial glial cell (bRGC), thought to have emerged recently in evolution to
enable expansion of the primate brain. However, our preliminary experiments uncover multiple groups of
bRGCs in mouse neocortex that share key features of bRGCs found in primate brain, contradicting reports
suggesting their biased role in primate brain growth. These studies will use emerging evidence and new tools
to elucidate species-specific programs controlling neocortical growth.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10375401
- **Project number:** 5R01NS116418-02
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Tarik F Haydar
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $663,734
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-04-01 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10375401

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10375401, Comparative Genomics of Precursor Diversity and Function (5R01NS116418-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10375401. Licensed CC0.

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