加州大学洛杉矶分校的研究人员发现，人脑最早期的干细胞——径向胶质细胞——通过营养和物理信号来决定产生何种类型的脑细胞1。两项分别发表在《细胞》和《科学》杂志上的研究表明，代谢过程与来自丘脑的物理信号共同指导干细胞的分化方向1。
在营养信号方面，径向胶质细胞严重依赖五磷酸戊糖通路，这一通路利用葡萄糖为快速分裂的细胞提供物质1。当葡萄糖供应降低或五磷酸戊糖通路受到干扰时，干细胞会产生更多抑制性神经元1。相比之下，来自丘脑的投射与径向胶质细胞发生物理接触，促使其产生更多兴奋性神经元，尤其是上层神经元1。这一发现对于理解脑发育异常和神经发育障碍具有重要意义，相关研究已确认NRXN1基因突变与自闭症谱系障碍相关1。
UCLA researchers have identified how the human brain's earliest stem cells—radial glial cells—employ nutritional and physical signals to determine which types of brain cells to produce.1 Two studies published in Cell and Science in 2026 demonstrate that metabolic processes, particularly the pentose phosphate pathway, work in concert with physical signals originating from the thalamus to influence stem cell differentiation decisions.1 These findings have significant implications for understanding abnormal brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.1
The research, led by Aparna Bhaduri and colleagues at UCLA's neurobiology group, reveals that radial glial cells heavily depend on the pentose phosphate pathway, which supplies dividing cells with glucose-derived nutrients.1 When glucose supply is reduced or this metabolic pathway is disrupted, stem cells generate a greater proportion of inhibitory neurons.1 Conversely, physical contact between projections from the thalamus and radial glial cells triggers the production of more excitatory neurons, particularly those in upper cortical layers.1 The research also identifies connections between mutations in the NRXN1 gene and autism spectrum disorder, linking these developmental mechanisms to neurological conditions.1
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