Molecular heterogeneity and development of the ventral tegmental area

The dopaminergic midbrain coordinates vital behaviors required across the lifespan including voluntary movement, learning, and response to rewards. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing technology have enabled detailed transcriptional characterization of the dopaminergic midbrain, including ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra, across embryonic development and in adulthood. These studies have revealed a high degree of cellular heterogeneity amongst dopaminergic neurons and have begun to unravel their molecular complexity across development. Ultimately, these molecular findings provide valuable insights into how dopaminergic neurons function in health and how their development may be disrupted in disease.