Further, by demonstrating an association between reduced Vglut2 mRNA levels in the STN and reduced STN size in mice, brain imaging analysis of STN size in human individuals might serve a purpose in future clinical investigations of human brain disorders implicating the STN, and where STN-based therapies are implemented already, such as PD and obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as for addiction, eating disorders and obesity, disorders proposed to benefit from STN-based therapy. Here, SLC17A6 is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.