A global molecular code for birth order and neuronal identity in Drosophila

Unlocking general principles of neuronal specification and wiring across the nervous system requires a systematic and high-resolution characterization of its diversity, recently enabled by advances in single-cell transcriptomics and connectomics. However, linking the molecular identity of neurons to circuit architecture remains a key challenge.

Here we present a high-resolution developmental transcriptional atlas for the Drosophila melanogaster nerve cord, the central hub for sensory–motor circuits. With an considerable 38× aggregate coverage relative to its reference connectome, our atlas captures extensive molecular diversity and enables robust alignment to the adult connectome. We identified three developmental principles underlying neuronal diversity in the nerve cord.