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Homers regulate drug-induced neuroplasticity: implications for addiction
Karen K Szumlinski1, Alexis W Ary, Kevin D Lominac
1Behavioral and Neural Genetics Laboratory, Department of Psychology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9660, USA. szumlinski@psych.ucsb.edu
Biochemical Pharmacology
|September 4, 2007
Summary
Homer proteins are implicated in drug addiction by regulating glutamate signaling in the brain. Understanding their role may reveal new therapeutic targets for addiction treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Drug addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.
- The corticolimbic glutamate system is implicated in addiction vulnerability and development.
- Cellular factors regulating glutamate transmission are key molecular candidates in addiction etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Homer proteins in drug addiction.
- To summarize existing data on Homer proteins' involvement in drug sensitivity, neuroplasticity, and associated pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of data implicating Homer proteins in glutamate receptor regulation and trafficking.
- Examination of Homer proteins' influence on extracellular glutamate levels.
Main Results:
- Homer proteins regulate glutamate receptor signaling and trafficking.
- Homer proteins influence extracellular glutamate levels in key brain regions.
- Evidence suggests Homer proteins' involvement in acute drug sensitivity and neuroplasticity.
Conclusions:
- Homer proteins are critical regulators of glutamate transmission in the corticolimbic system.
- Dysregulation of Homer proteins may contribute to the development and maintenance of drug addiction.
- Homer proteins represent potential therapeutic targets for addiction treatment.
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