# An epigenetic barrier sets the timing of human neuronal maturation

*PRI Rank #6 · Topics and Trends in Most Cited Epigenetics and DNA Methylation Papers, Class of 2026*

*Canonical URL: https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/epigenetics-and-dna-methylation/2026/rank-6*

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Rank | #6 |
| 18m citations | 123 |
| Journal | Nature |
| Year | 2024 |
| DOI | 10.1038/s41586-023-06984-8 |
| Corresponding authors | Gabriele Ciceri, Lorenz Studer |
| Institution | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States |

**Ranking page:** [Topics and Trends in Most Cited Epigenetics and DNA Methylation Papers, Class of 2026](https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/epigenetics-and-dna-methylation/2026)

**Paper link:** [10.1038/s41586-023-06984-8](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06984-8)

## Topics

human neuronal maturation timing · epigenetic barrier · cortical neurons · Human pluripotent stem cells · cell-intrinsic clock · synchronized neuronal birth · morphological and functional maturation atlas · EZH2 · EHMT1 · EHMT2 · DOT1L · Epigenetic priming · transcriptional poising · progenitor cell programming · precocious maturation · Histone methyltransferase · in vitro differentiation · protracted developmental timeline · hPSC-derived cortical neurons

## Cite this ranking

```
Pepkio Research Index (PRI). Topics and Trends in Most Cited Epigenetics and DNA Methylation Papers, Class of 2026. https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/epigenetics-and-dna-methylation/2026. Accessed 2026-07-21.

Zheng Su, Tinsley Li, Thematic Shifts in Early-High-Impact Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Research: A Bibliometric and Semantic Analysis. bioRxiv 2026.07.04.736459; doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.04.736459
```