Sox6 expression distinguishes dorsally and ventrally biased dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra with distinctive properties and embryonic origins

ABSTRACT: SUMMARY Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tier of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) degenerate prominently in Parkinson’s disease, while those in the dorsal tier are relatively spared. Defining the molecular, functional, and developmental characteristics of each SNc tier is crucial to understand their distinct susceptibility. We demonstrate that Sox6 expression distinguishes ventrally and dorsally biased DA neuron populations in the SNc. The Sox6+ population in the ventral SNc includes an Aldh1a1+ subset and is enriched in gene pathways that underpin vulnerability. Sox6+ neurons project to the dorsal striatum and show activity correlated with acceleration. Sox6− neurons project to the medial, ventral, and caudal striatum and respond to rewards. Moreover, we show that this adult division is encoded early in development. Overall, our work demonstrates a dual origin of the SNc that results in DA neuron cohorts with distinct molecular profiles, projections, and functions. Graphical Abstract In brief In this study, Pereira Luppi et al. refine the landscape of midbrain dopamine neurons through Sox6 lineage analysis to shed light on dorsal and ventral substantia nigra pars compacta from molecular, anatomical, functional, and developmental perspectives.

SUBMITTER: Luppi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8607753 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature