The Molecular Code Involved in Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuron Development and Maintenance

Midbrain dopaminergic neurons comprise a small group of cells that regulate important functions in the mammalian brain. Their degeneration or dysfunction is involved in many common neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactive disorder and drug addiction. Here we review recent studies that unravel the molecular events involved in various steps required for the embryonic development and maturation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, with emphasis on the role of epigenetic cues and transcription factors acting during the late differentiation steps. Further knowledge on the extrinsic and intrinsic signals governing fate, development and survival of midbrain dopaminergic cells will increase the ability to generate these neurons from stem cells and neural progenitors, and will lead to significant progress in cell replacement therapies for Parkinson's disease.