The universe is asymmetric, the mouse brain too.

Motivation: Exploring the mechanistic insights into the development of (altered) brain asymmetry in cognitive and psychiatric conditions requires the use of preclinical models. However, as asymmetry patterns are generally nuanced, even within human populations, substantial sample sizes are required to describe this phenomenon accurately. Goal(s): Our goal was to explore the presence of brain asymmetry in the mouse overcoming the sample size limitations. Approach: We leveraged a dataset encompassing MRI data from over 2000 mice. Results: We found robust brain asymmetry in the mouse, as well as asymmetry patterns that differ from those observed in humans. Impact: The mouse brain is asymmetric and there are some similarities between humans and mice, but species-specific asymmetry patterns need to be taken into account for translational research, reevaluating traditional assumptions and exploring the complexities of brain function across species.