Emerging Views of Cellular and Circuit Diversity Within the Basal Ganglia

The basal ganglia are a collection of subcortical nuclei that are deeply embedded in widespread and diverse brain networks. Accordingly, the basal ganglia are involved in diverse processes ranging from movement to cognition. Yet, major questions remain concerning the specific contributions of basal ganglia circuitry to information processing and behavior. With recent technical advances in our ability to observe and perturb neuronal activity, views of basal ganglia circuitry and its contributions to brain function are evolving rapidly. In parallel, molecular and genetic advances are revealing molecular and cellular properties that could be targeted for therapeutic benefit. Indeed, basal ganglia dysfunction is involved in a number of clinically significant diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, dystonia, Tourette’s syndrome, addiction and impulse control disorders. This conference will bring together scientists with diverse perspectives and approaches to discuss their latest discoveries, promote interaction and collaboration, and accelerate our understanding of the basal ganglia in health and disease.