Single-cell transcriptomics reveals conserved regulatory networks in human and mouse interneuron development

Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons originate in the embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) and control network activity in the neocortex. Dysfunction of these cells is believed to lead to runaway excitation underlying seizure-based neurological disorders such as epilepsy, autism and schizophrenia. Despite their importance in heath and disease, our knowledge about the development of this diverse neuronal population remains incomplete. Here we conducted single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of human fetal MGE from 10 to 15 weeks post conception. These MGE tissues are composed of largely cycling progenitors and immature post-mitotic interneurons with characteristic regional marker expression. Analysis of integrated human and mouse MGE data revealed species conserved transcriptomic profiles and regulatory program. Moreover, we identified novel candidate transcription regulators for human interneuron differentiation. These findings provide a framework for in vitro modelling of interneuron development and strategy for potentially enhance interneurons production from human pluripotent stem cells. Overall design: Time course single cell RNAseq from the human embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) from post-conceptional weeks 10, 13, 14 and 15.