The molecular and cellular underpinnings of human brain lateralization

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 

Hemispheric lateralization is a fundamental feature of human brain organization, guiding processes such as language and visuospatial attention (Tzourio-Mazoyer et al., 2020). While previous research has focused on neurotransmitter systems that support the organization of brain networks, the influence of molecular and cellular phenotypes on regional hemispheric lateralization remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that neurotransmitter systems (acetylcholine-norepinephrine axis), mitochondrial distribution, microglia, and intratelencephalic-projecting neurons help shape these functional asymmetries. We further identify two molecular and cellular networks: a left-lateralized network associated with language and a right-lateralized network associated with visuospatial attention.