Precise generation of excitatory neurons and inhibitory interneurons is crucial for proper formation and function of neural circuits in the mammalian brain. Because of the size and complexity of the human brain, it is a challenge to reveal the rich diversity of interneurons. To decipher origin and diversity of interneurons in the human fetal subpallium, here we show molecular features of diverse subtypes of interneuron progenitors and precursors by conducting single-cell RNA sequencing and in situ sequencing. Interneuron precursors in the medial and lateral ganglionic eminence simultaneously procure temporal and spatial identity through expressing a combination of specific sets of RNA transcripts. Acquisition of various interneuron subtypes in adult human brains occurs even at fetal stages. Our study uncovers complex molecular signatures of interneuron progenitors and precursors in the human fetal subpallium and highlights the logic and programs in the origin and lineage specification of various interneurons.

兴奋性神经元和抑制​​性中间神经元的精确生成对于哺乳动物大脑中神经回路的正常形成和功能至关重要。由于人脑的大小和复杂性，揭示中间神经元的丰富多样性是一项挑战。为了破译人类胎儿大脑皮层中中间神经元的起源和多样性，我们在这里通过进行单细胞 RNA 测序和原位测序来展示中间神经元祖细胞和前体的不同亚型的分子特征。内侧和外侧神经节隆起中的中间神经元前体通过表达一组特定的 RNA 转录本的组合同时获得时间和空间特性。成人大脑中各种中间神经元亚型的获得甚至发生在胎儿阶段。