Conserved role of dopamine in the modulation of behavior

Abstract

Dopamine is an ancient signaling molecule. It is responsible for maintaining the adaptability of behavioral outputs and is found across taxa. The following is a summary of the role of dopamine and the mechanisms of its function and dysfunction. We discuss our recent findings on dopaminergic control of behaviors in C. elegans and discuss its potential implications for work in the fields of C. elegans and Parkinson research. © 2012 Landes Bioscience.