A cross-species atlas platform for comparative neuroscience in teleost fish

Abstract

Abstract Uncovering general principles connecting neural circuits to behaviour requires comparative brain analyses across species. To advance these efforts, we developed a standardised workflow and a unified brain atlas platform for the quantitative comparison of neural structures between two teleost larvae, medaka ( Oryzias latipes ) and zebrafish ( Danio rerio ). Crucially, the platform seamlessly integrates user-generated image volumes, facilitating quantitative comparisons of anatomical, transcriptional, and functional data across species and laboratories. Utilising these integrated tools, we identified regional anatomical differences and differentially expressed genes between the species. We further demonstrated functionally distinct telencephalic regions in both species that exhibit divergent responses to social stimuli, suggesting an evolutionary divergence in social processing mechanisms. This web-based, interactive atlas platform promotes data exchange and knowledge sharing within the teleost community. Its scalable design permits effortless multi-group contributions, enabling expansion into a continuously growing, globally accessible database.