Cellular and molecular aspects of striatal development.

ABSTRACT

The striatum is a key component of the basal ganglia and there is considerable evidence that it has an important role in motor, cognitive and limbic functions. However, very little is known about how this forebrain structure develops. This review considers the role of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the striatum, and the potential application of this knowledge to the understanding of the pathology and treatment of primary disease of this structure.