Chinese Scientists Map 360-Million-Year-Old Lamprey Brain, Tracing Vertebrate Origins
Updated
Updated · english.cas.cn · Jun 25
Chinese Scientists Map 360-Million-Year-Old Lamprey Brain, Tracing Vertebrate Origins
2 articles · Updated · english.cas.cn · Jun 25
Summary
A full spatial single-cell atlas of the lamprey brain—published in Science—gives the first whole-brain map of a surviving jawless vertebrate and a new reference for early vertebrate evolution.
Comparisons with mice and zebrafish showed several lamprey brain regions share similar gene-expression patterns and cell types, suggesting the common vertebrate ancestor already had specialized brain regions before jaws evolved.
The team also identified neurons with both excitatory and inhibitory functions, a dual-role cell type still common in lampreys and zebrafish but largely replaced by specialized neurons in mammals.
Cells in a previously labeled cerebellum-like region closely matched zebrafish cerebellar interneurons, adding molecular evidence that a primitive cerebellum existed in the earliest vertebrates.
This fish brain had a blueprint for complex movement. How did it exist long before jaws or limbs evolved?
A massive genetic duplication occurred in our ancestors. Was this the 'big bang' that created the complex vertebrate brain?
Did human brains lose a key advantage by replacing 'generalist' neurons with specialized ones?
Mapping Every Cell in the Lamprey Brain: The First Complete Single-Cell Atlas Illuminates 500 Million Years of Vertebrate Evolution
Overview
In June 2026, Chinese scientists achieved a major breakthrough by publishing the first complete spatial single-cell atlas of the entire lamprey brain. Led by Su Bing and collaborators, the team mapped every cell in this ancient vertebrate's brain, providing an unprecedented view of its cellular architecture. This detailed atlas serves as a crucial reference for understanding how vertebrate brains evolved, allowing direct comparisons between lampreys and jawed vertebrates like mice and zebrafish. Since lampreys diverged before the evolution of jaws, their brain map helps trace the origins of key brain structures and deepens our knowledge of vertebrate evolution.