Dopamine Signaling

Dopamine signaling is the process by which the neurotransmitter dopamine is released by one neuron, crosses the synapse, binds to receptors on neighboring cells, and transmits information throughout the brain. Rather than simply producing pleasure, dopamine signaling helps the brain assign importance to experiences, reinforce learning, sustain motivation, update expectations, and organize behavior around meaningful goals and rewards. It also plays important roles in movement, attention, decision-making, and other cognitive functions. After dopamine is released, transporter proteins such as DAT1 (dopamine transporter) help clear it from the synapse so the system can reset. Experiences, stress, and substances can alter dopamine signaling over time, changing how strongly the brain responds to rewards and motivational cues. In conditions such as ADHD and bipolar disorder, difficulties often involve the regulation of dopamine signaling rather than simply having too much or too little dopamine.