Striatal cholinergic interneuron development in models of DYT1 dystonia

Abstract

Dystonia is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe involuntary twisting movements, hypothesized to arise from a dysfunctional motor network involving the cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Within this network, striatal cholinergic interneurons have been identified as possible contributors to dystonia pathophysiology. However, little is known about striatal cholinergic interneuron development in the mammalian brain, limiting our understanding of its role in dystonia and therapeutic potential. Here, I review striatal cholinergic interneuron development in the context of early-onset DYT1 (or “DYT-TOR1A”) dystonia. I discuss clinical and laboratory research findings that support cholinergic dysfunction in DYT1 dystonia and the implications of abnormal cholinergic cell development on disease penetrance and striatal connectivity.