Paléoanthropologie du genre Homo - Jean-Jacques Hublin

Jean-Jacques Hublin
Chaire Paléoanthropologie
Collège de France
Année 2026-2027

Insights into the Development, Evolution, and Diseases of the Human Neocortex
Conférence - Arnold Kriegstein: Developing a Cell-Based Therapy for Medically-Intractable Epilepsy

Arnold Kriegstein
Professeur de neurologie, université de Californie, San Francisco

Résumé

We have constructed a single-cell multiomic atlas of the human neocortex across development, revealing molecular and cellular dynamics in cell composition, spatial organization, intercellular signaling, gene regulation, and lineage potential. The atlas identifies novel progenitor lineages and offers a transcription-factor coded roadmap for deriving specific neural cell types from pluripotent stem cells. These developmental insights have enabled the generation of inhibitory interneurons from pluripotent stem cells that are now being tested in patients with medically resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Encouraging clinical results have prompted plans for a pivotal trial that could ultimately establish a novel cell-based therapy for epilepsy.

Jean-Jacques Hublin
Chaire Paléoanthropologie
Collège de France
Année 2026-2027

Insights into the Development, Evolution, and Diseases of the Human Neocortex
Conférence - Arnold Kriegstein: Genomic Insights into Cortical Expansion and Language Function

Arnold Kriegstein
Professeur de neurologie, université de Californie, San Francisco

Résumé

Language is a defining human trait, yet the developmental specializations of language-associated cortex remain poorly understood. The neuroanatomic infrastructure underlying language comprises a network of cortical and subcortical regions among which Broca's area, is of central prominence. We define molecular, cellular, and cytoarchitectonic features distinguishing Broca's area. We identify area- and stage-specific cell populations, together with an early cadherin-based molecular code that may guide circuit assembly and we find selective vulnerability of somatostatin interneurons to neurodevelopmental disorders. Finally, evolutionary analyses highights genomic specializations underlying linguistic abilities accumulated over millions of years following the divergence of human and chimpanzee lineages.

Jean-Jacques Hublin
Chaire Paléoanthropologie
Collège de France
Année 2026-2027

Insights into the Development, Evolution, and Diseases of the Human Neocortex
Conférence - Arnold Kriegstein: The Origin of Cortical Interneurons in Human Brain Development

Arnold Kriegstein
Professeur de neurologie, université de Californie, San Francisco

Résumé

Evolutionary expansion of the human forebrain required increased production of inhibitory, GABAergic neurons by the ganglionic eminences, yet the mechanisms remain unclear. Using multiome sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, live imaging, electron microscopy and organoid models, we identify diverse progenitors including outer radial glia-like cells. The primate medial ganglionic eminence exhibits distinctive cytoarchitecture with progenitors surrounding interconnected doublecortin-enriched nests (DENs) including newborn neurons. A PCDH19-dependent adhesion code contributes to DENs formation, while progenitor-restricted PCDH19 expression tracks with the presence of DENs across species. Thus, expanded progenitor diversity and specialized tissue architecture represent coordinated developmental innovations supporting increased inhibitory neuron production in primates.

Jean-Jacques Hublin
Chaire Paléoanthropologie
Collège de France
Année 2026-2027

Insights into the Development, Evolution, and Diseases of the Human Neocortex
Conférence - Arnold Kriegstein: Genomic Insights into Human Brain Development, Evolution, and Disease

Arnold Kriegstein
Professeur de neurologie, université de Californie, San Francisco

Résumé

The development of the human neocortex is highly dynamic, involving complex cellular trajectories controlled by gene regulation. We collected paired single-nucleus chromatin accessibility and transcriptome data from multiple regions and age groups of the developing human neocortex. In addition, spatial transcriptomic analysis was utilized to reveal cellular niches and cell-cell communication. These datasets revealed molecular and cellular dynamics in cell composition, spatial organization, intercellular signaling, gene regulation, lineage potential, and disease susceptibility. The atlas identifies novel progenitor lineages, provides insights into glioblastoma and neuropsychiatric disorders, and offers a roadmap for deriving specific neural cell types from pluripotent stem cells.

Jean-Jacques Hublin
Chaire Paléoanthropologie
Collège de France
Année 2025-2026

Colloque : Du Paléolithique moyen au Paléolithique supérieur : la transition en question
Du Paléolithique moyen au Paléolithique supérieur : la transition en question

Colloque - Edwige Pons-Branchu & Hélène Valladas : Du Paléolithique moyen au Paléolithique supérieur : la transition en question

Edwige Pons-Branchu & Hélène Valladas