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Releasing Addiction Memories Trapped in Perineuronal Nets
Amy W Lasek1, Hu Chen1, Wei-Yang Chen1
1Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|January 1, 2018
Summary
Perineuronal nets (PNNs) regulate learning and memory, influencing drug addiction behaviors. Understanding PNNs and their components offers potential new therapies for addiction treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Drug addiction involves maladaptive learning and memory, driven by changes in brain circuitry.
- Strong drug-associated memories contribute to craving and relapse in addiction.
- Perineuronal nets (PNNs), extracellular matrix structures, are increasingly recognized as regulators of neural plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of perineuronal nets (PNNs) in regulating learning, memory, and addiction behaviors.
- To investigate how PNNs, through their components like brevican, influence neural plasticity in addiction.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the dynamic remodeling of PNNs by metalloproteinases.
- It examines the function of PNN constituent proteins, such as brevican, in neural plasticity.
Main Results:
- PNNs are dynamically remodeled in an experience-dependent manner.
- Specific PNN components, like brevican, are implicated in neural plasticity relevant to addiction.
Conclusions:
- Perineuronal nets (PNNs) play a crucial role in the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction.
- Targeting PNNs and their components may offer novel therapeutic strategies for treating drug addiction.
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