Midbrain dopaminergic neurons are highly heterogeneous. They differ in their connectivity and firing patterns and, therefore, in their functional properties. The molecular underpinnings of this heterogeneity are largely unknown, and there is a paucity of markers that distinguish these functional subsets. In this paper, we report the identification and characterization of a novel subset of @entity528 located in the ventral tegmental area that expresses the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, @entity68901 ( @entity68901 ). Retrograde fluorogold tracing experiments demonstrate that @entity68901 (+) @entity528 neurons project to two distinct septal regions: the dorsal and intermediate region of the lateral septum. Loss-of-function studies in @entity19 demonstrate that @entity68901 and the closely related family member @entity40426 are both specifically required for the survival of this lateral-septum projecting neuronal subset during development. Our findings underscore the complex organization of @entity528 and provide an entry point for future studies of the functions of the @entity68901 (+) subset of @entity528 .SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Midbrain dopaminergic neurons regulate diverse brain functions, including @entity717 and cognitive and @entity146 . These neurons are heterogeneous, and distinct subsets are thought to regulate different behaviors. However, we currently lack the means to identify and modify gene function in specific subsets of @entity528 . In this study, we identify the transcription factor @entity68901 as a specific marker for a novel subset of @entity528 in the ventral midbrain that project to the lateral septum, and we reveal essential roles for @entity40426 and @entity68901 in the survival of these neurons during development. Our findings highlight the molecular and anatomical heterogeneity of @entity528 and contribute to a better understanding of this functionally complex group of neurons.

Survival of a Novel Subset of Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Projecting to the Lateral Septum Is Dependent on XXXX Proteins.

@entity68901 :: ('11922(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['Neurogenic Differentiation Factor-6', 'NEUROD6', 'Neurod6'] @entity146 :: ('MESH:D001523', 'Disease') :: ['emotive behaviors'] @entity19 :: ('10090', 'Species') :: ['mice'] @entity40426 :: ('18012(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['Neurod1'] @entity717 :: ('MESH:D009069', 'Disease') :: ['voluntary movement'] @entity528 :: ('MESH:D009410', 'Disease') :: ['midbrain dopaminergic neurons']
@entity40426 :: (18012(Tax:10090),Gene) :: ['NeuroD']
