Detailed molecular dissection of the mammalian brain

The brain is the most complex organ of our body and involved in many vital body functions.

We recently mapped all proteins expressed in the brain of humans, mouse and pigs and investigated where in the brain specific proteins are found and identify several proteins that are not expressed in all three mammalian species.

We created an interactive brain atlas that allows researchers to explore their brain region or gene of interest (https://www.proteinatlas.org/humanproteome/brain).

We will now extend this analysis by adding more brain regions and adding data from the macaque, a species evolutionary closer to humans.

The project has four main aims. 1) Identify all genes that are enriched in one or some brain regions in all four species.

This will give an overview of the genes important for certain brain functions. 2) identify cell signature genes that are specific for the different cell types of the human brain.

The brain has many cell types that can be divided in neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia each with a specific functions in the brain that requires specific signature proteins. 3) Identify species differences. What makes the human brain so special?

Is it only the size or does the human brain have some molecular features not shared with other mammals? 4) Ultimately these findings will be utilized to learn more about human brain diseases. In what brain regions and what brain cells are genes associated to brain diseases expressed.