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Microglia are key immune cells of the brain that play a crucial role in essential neurodevelopment processes. Problems in microglial function have been linked to disorders like schizophrenia and autism. Despite their lifelong importance for brain health, our understanding of how microglia originate and develop is incomplete. This project aims to shed light on the emergence of microglia in the developing human brain through a novel single-cell multiomic approach, combining lineage tracing with transcriptomics and epigenomics. The unique dataset generated will be used to investigate important developmental gene regulation programs and to identify molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. By addressing a significant gap in the understanding of neurodevelopment, the project aims to pave the way for new microglia-based therapies.