Thinking Outside the Box (and Arrow): Current Themes in Striatal Dysfunction in Movement Disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Systems Neuroscience

Background:

• The basal ganglia form a crucial subcortical network connecting cortical and thalamic circuits.
• The traditional "box-and-arrow" model has guided research on basal ganglia function and motor disorders for decades.
• This model, while useful, has limitations in fully describing complex basal ganglia circuitry and pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding the striatum, the primary input nucleus of the basal ganglia.
• To highlight microcircuitry and plasticity within the striatum, which are not fully captured by the classic model.
• To illustrate how these advances enhance our comprehension of circuit pathologies in motor disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on basal ganglia and striatal circuitry.
• Analysis of recent findings regarding microcircuitry and synaptic plasticity in the striatum.
• Integration of new insights into the context of established models of basal ganglia function.

Main Results:

• The striatum possesses complex microcircuitry and significant plastic capabilities.
• These intricate features are not adequately represented in the traditional "box-and-arrow" model.
• Understanding striatal complexity offers a more nuanced view of motor disorder pathologies.

Conclusions:

• The classic "box-and-arrow" model of the basal ganglia has limitations.
• Recent discoveries concerning striatal microcircuitry and plasticity provide a more comprehensive framework.
• These advancements are crucial for a deeper understanding and potential treatment of motor disorders.