Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 26, 2026

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

Comprehensive Analysis of Transcription Dynamics from Brain Samples Following Behavioral Experience

Published on: August 26, 2014

11.1K

Molecular neurobiology of addiction: what's all the (Δ)FosB about?

James K Ruffle1

  • 1Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London , London , UK.

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|August 2, 2014
PubMed

Insights

The transcription factor delta FosB (ΔFosB) is upregulated in the brain after repeated drug use, playing a key role in addiction mechanisms. Its induction may serve as a biomarker for evaluating addiction therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Repeated drug exposure leads to the upregulation of the transcription factor delta FosB (ΔFosB) in specific brain regions.
  • Addiction is a disorder involving complex gene expression regulation, where ΔFosB is implicated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss the proposed role of ΔFosB in the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction.
  • To explore the implications of recent findings regarding ΔFosB's function and potential as a therapeutic biomarker.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on ΔFosB expression and function in response to drug stimuli.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways initiated by ΔFosB-Jun protein interactions and activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex formation.

Main Results:

  • ΔFosB expression is substance- and region-specific following chronic drug exposure.
  • Formation of AP-1 complexes by ΔFosB initiates genetic, molecular, and structural alterations.
  • These molecular changes correlate with physiological and behavioral changes associated with addiction.

Conclusions:

  • ΔFosB plays a significant role in the molecular underpinnings of addiction.
  • ΔFosB induction is a potential biomarker for assessing the efficacy of addiction treatment interventions.
Keywords:
AddictionDeltaFosBbiomarkerepigeneticstranscriptiontreatment

More Related Videos

Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting FACS and Gene Expression Analysis of Fos-expressing Neurons from Fresh and Frozen Rat Brain Tissue08:37

Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting FACS and Gene Expression Analysis of Fos-expressing Neurons from Fresh and Frozen Rat Brain Tissue

Published on: August 27, 2016

28.9K
Using Optogenetics to Reverse Neuroplasticity and Inhibit Cocaine Seeking in Rats09:43

Using Optogenetics to Reverse Neuroplasticity and Inhibit Cocaine Seeking in Rats

Published on: October 5, 2021

2.6K

Related Concept Videos

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...
1.6K
Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action01:26

Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action

Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...
3.4K
Drug Dependence01:17

Drug Dependence

Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
1.9K
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis01:29

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase,...
2.5K
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake01:21

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake

Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
1.8K