New factors in the differentiation of dopaminergic neurons

In the mammalian brain, the dopaminergic circuits (nigrostriatal and meso-cortico-limbic pathways) are essential for motor control, reward mechanisms and modulation of affective and emotional states. Dysfunctions of these circuits are involved in serious neurological and psychiatric diseases (Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, ADHD and addiction). For these reasons, the study of molecular mechanisms involved in the acquisition and maturation of midbrain-dopaminergic neurons is essential to generate in vitro DA neurons useful for disease modelling and regenerative medicine. The present work, by identifying microRNAs involved in DA development, contributes to add new and interesting information on the molecular mechanisms underlying the DA differentiation and maintenance, leading to the identification of new molecular targets for potential therapeutic strategies to cure pathological disorders affecting the DA system.