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The many faces of CREB.
William A Carlezon1, Ronald S Duman, Eric J Nestler
1Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, Belmont MA 02478, USA. carlezon@mclean.harvard.edu
Trends in Neurosciences
|June 29, 2005
Summary
The transcription factor CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) has dual roles in the brain. Its activation in the hippocampus aids antidepressant effects, while in other regions, it contributes to addiction and mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The transcription factor CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) is primarily recognized for its role in learning and memory.
- Recent findings indicate CREB activity exhibits context-dependent effects, varying significantly across different brain regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the differential roles of CREB in various brain regions concerning neuropsychiatric conditions.
- To investigate the potential for region-specific therapeutic strategies targeting CREB pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging evidence on CREB function in different brain areas.
- Analysis of CREB's involvement in hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, and other relevant regions.
- Exploration of CREB's role in antidepressant efficacy, drug addiction, and mood disorders.
Main Results:
- Hippocampal CREB induction by antidepressants may contribute to therapeutic benefits.
- CREB activation in the nucleus accumbens and other areas is linked to drug addiction, depression, and anxiety.
- CREB's function is region-specific, with both beneficial and detrimental impacts.
Conclusions:
- Targeting upstream factors or specific CREB-regulated genes, rather than CREB itself, offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Exploiting regional differences in CREB activity could lead to novel treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.