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Published on: March 11, 2020
Functionally Distinct Connectivity of Developmentally Targeted Striosome Neurons
Matthew M McGregor1, Gabriel L McKinsey2, Allison E Girasole1
1Neuroscience Graduate Program, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
Researchers identified distinct functional pathways within the striatum using novel mouse models. This study differentiates striosome and matrix neurons, revealing unique inputs and outputs, advancing our understanding of basal ganglia circuits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Basal Ganglia Research
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- The striatum, a key basal ganglia structure, is classically divided into striosome and matrix compartments.
- Previous functional studies of these compartments were limited by the lack of specific targeting methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and utilize a novel genetic tool (hs599CreER mice) for selectively targeting striosome projection neurons.
- To functionally characterize the distinct inputs, outputs, and processing capabilities of striosome versus matrix neurons.
Main Methods:
- Utilized hs599CreER mice for targeted manipulation of striosome neurons.
- Performed electrophysiological recordings to assess synaptic input processing.
- Investigated functional connectivity between cortical areas and striatal compartments.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated differential cortical inputs: prelimbic cortex to striosomes and primary motor cortex to matrix.
- Identified distinct electrophysiological properties for processing excitatory input in striosome and matrix neurons.
- Provided the first functional evidence that striosome neurons predominantly project to substantia nigra pars compacta dopamine neurons.
Conclusions:
- Striosome and matrix represent functionally distinct striatal pathways.
- Novel genetic tools enable functional delineation of striatal output neuron subtypes.
- This work clarifies the segregated processing within the basal ganglia.
