Spatiotemporal Transcriptome of the Human Brain

Comprehensive knowledge about the spatiotemporal dynamics of the brain transcriptome is essential for a better understanding of neurodevelopment, sexual dimorphism, and evolution, as well as our increased susceptibility to certain brain disorders. We generated and analyzed genome-wide exon-level transcriptome data from 16 brain regions of 57 postmortem human brains, spanning from embryonic development to late adulthood and representing males and females of multiple ethnicities. We also performed genome-wide genotyping of 2.5 million SNPs and assessed genome normality for all donors. This study provides a comprehensive, publicly available dataset on the spatiotemporal human brain transcriptome and new insights into the transcriptional foundations of human neurodevelopment.

• Study Design:
  • Control Set
• Study Type:
  • Control Set
• dbGaP estimated ancestry using GRAF-pop

All selected subjects are normal according to following criteria:

1. Subjects with chromosomal or large-scale genomic abnormalities, detected by karyogram and/or Illumina Human Omni-2.5, were excluded.
2. Prenatal and neonatal specimens were excluded if drug or alcohol abuse by the mother during pregnancy was reported or if potassium chloride, salt water, or urea were injected into the amniotic sac during surgical procedure.
3. Only brains free of obvious malformations or lesions were collected. Disqualifying characteristics included any obvious abnormality of the neural tube, forebrain, brainstem, cranial nerves, cerebellum, or spinal cord.
4. Samples were excluded if microscopic analysis revealed extensive neuronal loss, neuronal swelling, glioneuronal heterotopias, or dysmorphic neurons and neurites.
5. Samples that tested positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV were excluded.
6. Early postnatal and adult (periods 8-15) specimens were excluded if excessive drug or alcohol abuse was reported, if the individual had any known neurological or psychiatric disorders, or if any prolonged agonal conditions were reported.

• Primary Phenotype: Aging