The Role of Dopamine Receptors during Brain Development

Brain development requires a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Disruption of these elements can affect neuronal structure, function, or connectivity and can alter developmental trajectory. Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, such as dopamine, participate in a wide range of behavioral and cognitive functions in the adult brain. Dopamine-mediated signaling plays a fundamental neurodevelopmental role in forebrain differentiation and circuit formation. In addition, D1 and D2 dopaminergic receptors activation influences neuronal proliferation, migration and differentiation.
As dopamine receptors affect the developing brain and play an essential role in adult brain, better understanding of the role of these receptors in different regions of the developing brain can be helpful for treatment of brain developmental disorders.