Last reviewed: June 1, 2026

2019Nature Neuroscience

Spatial transcriptomics reveals unique molecular fingerprints of human microglia

Masuda T, Sankowski R, Staszewski O, Böttcher C, Amann L, Sagar, et al.

Abstract summary

Used spatial transcriptomics and single-cell sequencing to map human microglia subpopulations across different brain regions. Found region-specific microglial transcriptional identities in human tissue. This study resolved the heterogeneity of human microglia beyond what was observable with bulk sequencing approaches.

Evidence labels

single-cell RNA-seqhuman tissue

Targets

Diseases

  • Brain aging

Species

human

Methods

spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA-seq

Therapeutic relevance

Region-specific microglial identities may explain differential vulnerability of brain regions in neurodegeneration and inform targeted therapies.

Last reviewed: June 1, 2026