Decision making during interneuron migration in the developing cerebral cortex

•The process of migration regulates the placement and differentiation of interneurons.•Interneuronal placement affects the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the cortex.•Changing networks of signaling pathways control decision-making steps of interneuron migration.

Appropriate interneuron migration and distribution is essential for the construction of functional neuronal circuitry and the maintenance of excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons originating from the ventral telencephalon choreograph a complex pattern of migration to reach their target destinations within the developing brain. This review examines the cellular and molecular underpinnings of the major decision-making steps involved in this process of oriental navigation of cortical interneurons.