Deciphering human basal ganglia networks: Dopaminergic signaling, plasticity, and neurodevelopmental insights

The basal ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei that play a critical role in motor control, action selection, and cognitive processes. Research efforts integrating human anatomy, functional neuroanatomy, and cellular neuroscience, including studies of vertebrate models, have been pivotal in revealing the intricate organization of basal ganglia circuits. In particular, dopaminergic neurons are crucial modulators within these networks, influencing processes ranging from nervous system development to the plasticity underlying learning and adaptation. Dysfunction of these circuits is implicated in various neurological and psychiatric conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding their anatomy and physiology across different species and developmental stages.

Despite significant advances, fundamental questions remain about the precise organization and functional mechanisms of the basal ganglia, particularly concerning dopaminergic modulation, synaptic plasticity, and their relevance in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. This Research Topic aims to bridge anatomical, neurophysiological, and molecular perspectives to advance our understanding of basal ganglia circuitry in both health and disease conditions. The goal is to highlight recent advances in functional neuroanatomy, in vitro model systems, cellular plasticity, and their collective impact on nervous system development. By collating cross-disciplinary research, we seek to delineate the multi-level architecture of these critical neural circuits and unravel their roles in adaptive and maladaptive processes. Ultimately, this collaborative effort will facilitate the development of targeted interventions and novel hypotheses in human neuroscience.

This Research Topic welcomes all articles focusing on the functional neuroanatomy and cell biology of basal ganglia circuits. We encourage submissions that leverage a range of approaches—including in vitro models, neuroanatomical mapping, and cutting-edge imaging to illuminate mechanisms of plasticity and development. Specific themes include:

- Structural and functional organization of basal ganglia circuits in vertebrates
- Role of dopaminergic neurons in motor and non-motor functions
- Synaptic plasticity mechanisms within basal ganglia networks
- In vitro models for studying neurodevelopment and disease
- Comparative anatomy and evolutionary perspectives on basal ganglia function
- Novel methodologies for mapping and modulating basal ganglia activity
- Implications for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders

We encourage both experimental and theoretical contributions that advance the understanding of the diversity, structure, and function of the basal ganglia and their interfaces with human neuroscience.