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Related Concept Videos

Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena01:15

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
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Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

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Updated: May 14, 2026

Comprehensive Analysis of Transcription Dynamics from Brain Samples Following Behavioral Experience
08:14

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Published on: August 26, 2014

Epigenetics and psychostimulant addiction.

Heath D Schmidt1, Jacqueline F McGinty, Anne E West

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. hschmidt@mail.med.upenn.edu

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine
|January 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Chronic drug exposure causes lasting brain changes by altering gene expression. Epigenetic mechanisms, like histone modifications and DNA methylation, are key to understanding and treating addiction, particularly concerning brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic drug exposure induces persistent neuroadaptations in the brain, leading to compulsive drug use.
  • The precise mechanisms translating synaptic plasticity and gene expression changes into long-term behavioral alterations remain incompletely understood.
  • Emerging evidence points to synchronized gene regulation patterns mediating complex drug-induced neuroadaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating structural, synaptic, and behavioral plasticity associated with drug addiction.
  • To focus on how epigenetic alterations regulate gene expression, specifically brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), after chronic cocaine exposure.
  • To explore the potential of identifying epigenetic signatures for developing novel addiction treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on epigenetic mechanisms in drug addiction.
  • Focus on alterations in histone modifications, DNA methylation, and microRNAs.
  • Examination of epigenetic regulation of BDNF expression following chronic cocaine exposure.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and microRNAs, play a significant role in regulating gene expression.
  • These epigenetic changes contribute to the neuroadaptations underlying psychostimulant addiction.
  • Alterations in BDNF expression due to epigenetic modifications are a key focus in cocaine addiction.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for understanding the long-term neurobiological consequences of chronic drug exposure.
  • Identifying specific epigenetic signatures associated with addiction may pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.
  • This research highlights the potential for novel treatments to address drug craving and relapse by targeting epigenetic pathways.