About this Research Topic
The basal ganglia, a complex network of nuclei deeply situated in the brain, plays a pivotal role in diverse cognitive and motor functions. Consisting of key structures such as the striatum, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and subthalamic nucleus, the basal ganglia form intricate neural circuits that are indispensable for regulating motor control, decision-making, and cognitive processes. Imbalances in basal ganglia activity have been implicated in various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and certain psychiatric conditions. Unraveling the intricate workings of the basal ganglia is paramount in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of these disorders and developing targeted therapeutic interventions. Research endeavors in this field delve into the cellular and molecular processes, neural connectivity, anatomic and functional dynamics of the basal ganglia, aiming to advance our understanding of both normal and pathological brain function, ultimately paving the way for innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
The aim of this Research Topic is to bring together studies on the Basal Ganglia beyond classically disseminated concepts. Here, considering a variety of vertebrate species, we aim to comprehend similarities and differences related to the components that constitute the basal ganglia concerning their anatomical aspects (anatomical, comparative, neurochemical approaches...), functional aspects (connectomic, molecular approaches...) and pathological aspects (experimental models of altered states of the nervous system...). Ultimately, we seek to elucidate how basal ganglia circuits have structured over time, how their peculiarities impact diverse inter-species behavioral repertoires, and how these aspects can contribute to a better understanding of pathological and therapeutic processes involving these structures.
This Research Topic is dedicated to exploring the intricacies of basal ganglia function across various vertebrate species. Thus, it welcomes original research articles, reviews, methodological papers, and comments that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the basal ganglia beyond conventional paradigms. Manuscripts addressing anatomical aspects through anatomical, comparative, and neurochemical approaches, as well as those exploring functional aspects using connectomic and molecular approaches, are encouraged. Additionally, the journal welcomes studies investigating pathological aspects, including experimental models of altered states of the nervous system.
Topics of special interest:
1. Anatomical Studies: Exploration of basal ganglia anatomy using innovative anatomical, comparative, and neurochemical approaches.
2. Functional Investigations: Original research employing connectomic and molecular approaches to unravel the functional dynamics of basal ganglia circuits.
3. Pathological Insights: Experimental models elucidating altered states of the nervous system and their implications for understanding pathological processes.
4. Inter-Species Behavioral Repertoires: Studies investigating how basal ganglia circuit peculiarities contribute to diverse behavioral repertoires across different vertebrate species.
5. Therapeutic Approaches: Research on therapeutic interventions targeting basal ganglia structures for various neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.
The aim of this Research Topic is to bring together studies on the Basal Ganglia beyond classically disseminated concepts. Here, considering a variety of vertebrate species, we aim to comprehend similarities and differences related to the components that constitute the basal ganglia concerning their anatomical aspects (anatomical, comparative, neurochemical approaches...), functional aspects (connectomic, molecular approaches...) and pathological aspects (experimental models of altered states of the nervous system...). Ultimately, we seek to elucidate how basal ganglia circuits have structured over time, how their peculiarities impact diverse inter-species behavioral repertoires, and how these aspects can contribute to a better understanding of pathological and therapeutic processes involving these structures.
This Research Topic is dedicated to exploring the intricacies of basal ganglia function across various vertebrate species. Thus, it welcomes original research articles, reviews, methodological papers, and comments that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the basal ganglia beyond conventional paradigms. Manuscripts addressing anatomical aspects through anatomical, comparative, and neurochemical approaches, as well as those exploring functional aspects using connectomic and molecular approaches, are encouraged. Additionally, the journal welcomes studies investigating pathological aspects, including experimental models of altered states of the nervous system.
Topics of special interest:
1. Anatomical Studies: Exploration of basal ganglia anatomy using innovative anatomical, comparative, and neurochemical approaches.
2. Functional Investigations: Original research employing connectomic and molecular approaches to unravel the functional dynamics of basal ganglia circuits.
3. Pathological Insights: Experimental models elucidating altered states of the nervous system and their implications for understanding pathological processes.
4. Inter-Species Behavioral Repertoires: Studies investigating how basal ganglia circuit peculiarities contribute to diverse behavioral repertoires across different vertebrate species.
5. Therapeutic Approaches: Research on therapeutic interventions targeting basal ganglia structures for various neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.
Keywords: Basal Ganglia, Connectomic, Neurochemistry, Striatum, Globus Pallidus, Subthalamic Nucleus, Substantia Nigra
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
