Astrocytic regulation of neuronal function in the external globus pallidus

The external globus pallidus (GPe), a nucleus of the basal ganglia, is important for regulating motor control. Dysfunctional activity of GPe neurons underlies the symptomatology of Parkinson's disease. Our lab recently discovered that two major subtypes of neurons in the GPe, PV+ and Npas1+ neurons, serve diametric roles in regulating motor output. The mechanisms that modulate the activity of these neurons, however, remain unresolved. While long considered to be simple support cells, astrocytes are now increasingly appreciated to play active roles in modulating neurotransmission. However, the extent to which astrocytes modulate PV+ and Npas1+ neuron activity is unknown. This proposal will investigate the putatively complex interplay between astrocytes and GPe neurons, advancing our knowledge of the circuitry of the GPe. In addition, this work will have a positive translational impact on Parkinson's disease by investigating non-dopaminergic therapeutic approaches targeting specific cell populations within the basal ganglia.