UCLA scientists uncover signals guiding human brain development before birth

UCLA scientists have uncovered two hidden signals that shape the human brain before birth. They found that radial glia cells, the brain’s stem cells, change how they behave based on how they process sugar and on signals coming from the thalamus. Those signals decide which kinds of neurons are made, including the upper‑layer neurons that are especially abundant in human brains.

The cerebral cortex, the brain’s outer layer, is built by radial glia. In humans, upper‑layer neurons are linked to advanced thinking. Understanding how they are produced is crucial for studying disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The study gives new clues about the early stages of brain wiring.

The researchers showed that when radial glia take in more glucose, they tend to produce fewer upper‑layer neurons. They also found that physical contact with thalamic signals can tip the balance. Using lab mice and advanced imaging, they mapped the changes in neuron types. The work highlights a direct link between metabolism, thalamic input, and brain cell fate.

These findings open a path to new research into how metabolic or sensory problems in pregnancy could affect brain development. Future studies may test whether correcting glucose levels or thalamic signaling could prevent some neurodevelopmental disorders. The work also suggests that targeting these early cues could help design therapies to repair damaged brain tissue.