The Role of Dopamine Neurotransmission in Schizophrenia
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 11
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Schizophrenia is a complex and heterogeneous psychiatric disorder that affects millions globally, exerting a profound impact on patients, their families, and healthcare systems. Despite decades of research, its underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Dopaminergic neurotransmission has consistently emerged as a central component in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, influencing cognition, emotion, and motivation through intricate signaling cascades.
Altered dopaminergic signaling, particularly within the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways, is strongly associated with the positive and negative symptoms of the disorder. However, recent advances in molecular neuroscience, neuroimaging, and genetics have revealed a complex network of interactions between dopamine and other neurotransmitter systems, including glutamate, GABA, and serotonin. These findings challenge classical models and open new avenues for understanding neural circuit dysfunction and developing innovative therapeutic strategies.
Led by Prof. Dr. Mirian Hayashi and Dr. Giulia Fidelis, this Special Issue on “The Role of Dopamine Neurotransmission in Schizophrenia” welcomes original research and review articles focusing on molecular-level investigations.
We particularly encourage submissions in the following areas (although not limited to these):
- Dopaminergic receptor signaling and intracellular pathways;
- Molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating dopamine synthesis, release, and reuptake;
- Animal models providing novel molecular insights into schizophrenia;
- Dopamine-targeted pharmacological and genetic interventions;
- Translational studies bridging molecular neurobiology with clinical outcomes.
We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions to advance the molecular understanding of dopaminergic mechanisms in schizophrenia and their implications for future therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Mirian Akemi Furuie Hayashi
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- schizophrenia
- dopamine
- dopaminergic system
- neurotransmission
- psychosis
- pathophysiology
- molecular psychiatry
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