From Progenitors to Progeny: Shaping Striatal Circuit Development and Function
Rhys Knowles1, Nathalie Dehorter1, Tommas Ellender2,3
1The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Summary
Embryonic progenitor cells in the ganglionic eminences shape striatal neuron development and function. Understanding their diversity is key for treating neurodevelopmental disorders like Huntington's disease and autism spectrum disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The striatum is crucial for motor control and reward processing.
- Its complex circuitry arises from precise neuronal development.
- Understanding striatal neuron formation is vital for neurological health and disease insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the embryonic origins and development of striatal neurons.
- To highlight the role of embryonic progenitors in generating striatal cell diversity.
- To connect progenitor characteristics to striatal function and disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on striatal development.
- Focus on embryonic progenitor cells in ganglionic eminences.
- Integration of findings from cortical and other brain regions.
Main Results:
- Embryonic progenitor origin dictates neuronal identity, location, and connectivity.
- Diverse striatal interneurons and projection neurons arise from specific progenitors.
- Progenitor dysfunction is linked to Huntington's disease and autism spectrum disorder.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic progenitors are central to striatal circuit formation and function.
- Understanding progenitor diversity is critical for future research and therapies.
- A progenitor-centric view offers new therapeutic avenues for striatal disorders.
