The mammalian brain is anatomically and functionally complex and susceptible to diverse forms of neuropathology. A fundamental goal of developmental neuroscience is to understand the molecular, cellular and activity-based mechanisms that control the formation and maintenance of neural circuits. This knowledge is fundamental to better understand how these mechanisms become compromised in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative/psychiatric disorders.
In recent years, the development and function of dopamine neurons has come under intense focus, driven by the ambition of generating dopaminergic neurons for cell replacement strategies in Parkinson’s disease. To deepen our understanding of dopamine biology in the healthy brain and to develop strategies to ameliorate disease states, it is essential to bring together neurodevelopmental research, approaches to dissect complex neuronal networks, and advanced pluripotent stem cell technologies.
The 2019 Conference
“Development of the Dopaminergic System-From Stem Cells to Circuits” will feature an exciting and diverse scientific program focused on recent advances and future directions in fundamental and applied developmental neuroscience centred on the midbrain dopaminergic system. This Frontiers Research Topic will provide a platform for dissemination of the outcomes from this meeting.
The mammalian brain is anatomically and functionally complex and susceptible to diverse forms of neuropathology. A fundamental goal of developmental neuroscience is to understand the molecular, cellular and activity-based mechanisms that control the formation and maintenance of neural circuits. This knowledge is fundamental to better understand how these mechanisms become compromised in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative/psychiatric disorders.
In recent years, the development and function of dopamine neurons has come under intense focus, driven by the ambition of generating dopaminergic neurons for cell replacement strategies in Parkinson’s disease. To deepen our understanding of dopamine biology in the healthy brain and to develop strategies to ameliorate disease states, it is essential to bring together neurodevelopmental research, approaches to dissect complex neuronal networks, and advanced pluripotent stem cell technologies.
The 2019 Conference
“Development of the Dopaminergic System-From Stem Cells to Circuits” will feature an exciting and diverse scientific program focused on recent advances and future directions in fundamental and applied developmental neuroscience centred on the midbrain dopaminergic system. This Frontiers Research Topic will provide a platform for dissemination of the outcomes from this meeting.
