The striatum is a key component of the basal ganglia and there is considera
ble evidence that it has an important role in motor, cognitive and limbic f
unctions. However, very little is known about how this forebrain structure
develops., This review considers the role of cellular and molecular mechani
sms involved in the development of the striatum, and the potential applicat
ion of this knowledge to the understanding of the pathology and treatment o
f primary disease of this structure. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.