Multiscale spatial transcriptomics resolves the cellular and molecular architecture of the human amygdala [Visium HD]

We here present a spatial transcriptomic atlas of the human amygdala from nine neurotypical donors. Integrating Visium, Xenium, and VisiumHD technologies, we profiled over 1.1 million cells across 13 spatial domains spanning the basolateral complex, central, medial, and cortical nuclei, as well as the intercalated islands, each defined by distinct marker genes and gene co-expression networks.

By integrating snRNA-seq reference atlases, we found that each subdivision of the basolateral subnucleus contains distinct excitatory neuron classes. We additionally found three transcriptionally distinct populations of intercalated neuron types, two of which form spatially distinct islands neighboring the basolateral complex, and were able to refine cell type diversity across the central nucleus and related amygdalostriatal transition areas.