Nature Methods, 31 December, 2025, DOI：https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-025-02963-1

Whole-brain phenotype mapping between humans and mice

Shangzheng Huang & Ang Li

Abstract

Neuroscience and psychiatry increasingly leverage the complementary strengths of human and animal models. Human studies provide direct neurobiological insights whereas animal models — particularly mice — enable precise mechanistic investigations. Recent advances in whole-brain imaging technologies now permit comprehensive mapping of neural activity and brain structure in both species. However, most cross-species studies remain limited to subjectively selected brain regions, constraining clinical translation. Computational approaches for systematic whole-brain comparisons are particularly challenging owing to evolutionary divergence in cortical organization. Quantitative frameworks that systematically characterize cross-species whole-brain relationships are urgently needed to enable principled translational strategies that bridge human and mouse neuroscience.

Article link：https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-025-02963-1