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Published on: June 23, 2023
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DNA Methylation in Alcohol Use Disorder
Qingmeng Zheng1, Heng Wang1, An Yan1
1Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Excessive alcohol consumption damages the central nervous system and can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD). DNA methylation, an epigenetic factor, plays a crucial role in AUD development and offers potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Excessive alcohol intake negatively impacts the central nervous system, potentially causing alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- AUD is influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
- Epigenetic dysregulation, particularly DNA methylation, significantly contributes to the development and progression of AUD by altering gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation in AUD.
- To discuss the development of methyltransferase inhibitors for therapeutic purposes.
- To examine methylation alterations during alcohol exposure across different life stages and explore potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on DNA methylation and AUD.
- Analysis of studies on methyltransferase inhibitors.
- Examination of research on alcohol exposure effects on DNA methylation at various life stages.
Main Results:
- DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism involved in AUD susceptibility and progression.
- Aberrant DNA methylation patterns are observed in alcohol-related psychiatric disorders.
- Methylation alterations occur dynamically during different life stages following alcohol exposure.
Conclusions:
- DNA methylation is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of AUD.
- Targeting DNA methylation pathways presents promising therapeutic avenues for AUD.
- Understanding methylation dynamics across the lifespan is essential for developing effective interventions for AUD.
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