Genetic and Epigenetic Foundations of Dopaminergic Neurobiology: From Addictions Through Personality Traits and Physical Activity to the Spectrum of Reward-Driven Behaviors
A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychiatry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 11
Special Issue Editors
2. Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Kazimierza Gorskiego 1 St., 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: genetics; addiction; epigenetics; dopamine system; sport
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: behavioral addiction; dependency; sport; dopamine; genetics; spirituality
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The dopaminergic system plays a central role in regulating emotion, motivation, reward processing, and impulse control. A growing body of evidence underscores how genetic and epigenetic factors modulate this system, shaping vulnerability to psychiatric disorders and addictions, while also fostering adaptive traits such as personality development and engagement in physical activity.
This Special Issue aims to illuminate the neurobiological foundations of dopamine-related mechanisms that drive the continuum of reward-oriented behaviors—from maladaptive patterns to resilience and health-promoting adaptations.
We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, and theoretical papers investigating the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of neuropsychiatric phenotypes linked to the reward circuitry, including addictions, impulsivity, personality traits, sexual behaviors, and sport-related motivation. Studies employing human or animal models are encouraged, especially those that integrate neuroscience, psychology, and molecular biology to deepen our understanding of dopaminergic modulation across diverse behavioral contexts.
Prof. Dr. Anna Grzywacz
Guest Editor
Dr. Remigiusz Recław
Guest Editor Assistant
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- genetic factors
- epigenetic regulation
- dopaminergic system
- substance use disorders
- behavioral addictions
- personality traits
- physical activity and motivation
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