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Macaque insular cortex contains specialized von Economo neuron subtypes

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Research area:psychology-neuroscience

What the study found

The study identified 78 detailed cell types in the macaque anterior insular cortex, showing that this brain region is diverse in cell type, connectivity profile, signal-processing strategy, and metabolic characteristics. It also found two von Economo neuron subtypes, which are specialized large neurons found in some primates.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors conclude that their multimodal atlas provides a molecular and functional framework for studying the circuit principles underlying cognitive processes in the primate anterior insular cortex. They present this as relevant because the anterior insular cortex is described as a critical hub that integrates exteroceptive information from the outside world and interoceptive information from the body into high-order cognition.

What the researchers tested

The researchers combined whole-cell-based single-cell transcriptomics, which measures gene activity in individual cells, with Patch-seq recordings, which pair electrical recordings with gene expression data. Using these methods in the macaque anterior insular cortex, they resolved and characterized cell types and examined their transcriptomic, morphoelectric, connectivity, and metabolic features.

What worked and what didn't

The approach successfully resolved 78 detailed cell types and identified two von Economo neuron subtypes: DSG2-expressing VEN-L and POC5-expressing VEN-S. The study also found that von Economo neurons use a signal-processing strategy in which the geometry of the dendrite-originating axon reshapes action potential dynamics and enhances somatic responsiveness to deep-layer synaptic inputs.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not describe experimental limitations or caveats beyond the focus on the macaque anterior insular cortex. The findings are based on the provided multimodal atlas and are specific to the cell types and properties examined in this study.

Key points

  • The macaque anterior insular cortex was resolved into 78 detailed cell types.
  • Two von Economo neuron subtypes were identified: DSG2-expressing VEN-L and POC5-expressing VEN-S.
  • The study linked VEN-L and VEN-S transcriptomically to extratelencephalic and corticothalamic projection neurons, respectively.
  • Von Economo neuron axon geometry was reported to reshape action potential dynamics and increase responsiveness to deep-layer synaptic inputs.
  • The abstract describes the anterior insular cortex as a hub integrating exteroceptive and interoceptive information.

Disclosure

Research title:
Macaque insular cortex contains specialized von Economo neuron subtypes
Authors:
Rui-Feng Liu, Mengyao Huang, Yuhui Shen, Mingting Shao, Junzhan Jing, N W Xu, Lei Tang, B Q Liu, Jianming Shi, F N Chen, Zhao-Zhe Hao, Xiaolong Jiang, Sheng Liu
Institutions:
Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Neurological Research Institute, Neurological Research Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Texas Children's Hospital
Publication date:
2026-07-02
DOI:
10.1038/s41556-026-02009-4
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by gpt-5.4-mini (OpenAI). The original authors did not write or review this post.

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