Dynamic Insights into Dopamine Axon Growth in Adolescence and its Implications for Psychiatric Risk

Adolescence and the development of the dopaminergic system have long been shown to be inextricably linked. Common adolescent experiences, such as substance exposure and stress, can alter dopamine axon growth and influence behavior in adulthood. Additionally, the Netrin-1/DCC (Deleted in Colorectal Cancer) guidance cue system is implicated in regulating dopamine axon growth during adolescence. Here, we summarize the literature into the pivotal role of adolescence in animal development, with a specific focus on the maturation process of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. We outline the diverse structure of this system, recent findings on axonal targeting and pathfinding processes during adolescence, as well as the implications of this research for psychiatric pathology. We argue that the current body of research suggests a link between delayed dopamine axon growth and adolescent neuroplasticity, providing insights into the incidence of psychiatric disorders during this critical developmental period.