Mitochondria metabolism sets the species-specific tempo of neuronal development

• DOI: 10.1126/science.abn4705
• Publication Date: 2023-01-27T14:24:40Z
• Authors: Ryohei Iwata; Pierre Casimir; Emir Erkol; Leïla Boubakar; Mélanie Planque; Isabel M. Gallego...; Martyna Ditkowska; Vaiva Gaspariunaite; Sofie Beckers; Daan Remans; Katlijn Vints; Anke Vandekeere; Suresh Poovathingal; Matthew Bird; Ine Vlaeminck; Eline Creemers; Keimpe Wierda; Nikky Corthout; Pieter Vermeersch; Sébastien Carpentier; Kristofer Davie; Massimiliano Mazzone; Natalia V. Gounko; Stein Aerts; Bart Ghesquière; Sarah-Maria Fendt; Pierre Vanderhaeghen
• Keywords: Human brain; Premovement neuronal activity; Cortical neurons

Neuronal development in the human cerebral cortex is considerably prolonged compared with that of other mammals. We explored whether mitochondria influence species-specific timing cortical neuron maturation. By comparing and mouse neuronal maturation at high temporal cell resolution, we found a slower neurons mouse, together lower metabolic activity, particularly oxidative phosphorylation. Stimulation metabolism resulted accelerated vitro vivo, leading to cells weeks ahead time, whereas its inhibition led decreased rates Mitochondria are thus important regulators pace underlying human-specific brain neoteny.