Striatal microRNA controls cocaine intake through CREB signalling

ABSTRACT: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate many basic aspects of cell biology including neuronal plasticity, but little is known of their roles in drug addiction. Extended access to cocaine can trigger the emergence of compulsive drug-seeking behaviors, but molecular mechanisms regulating this process remain unclear. Here we report that microRNA-212 (miR-212) is upregulated in the dorsal striatum of rats with extended access to cocaine. Striatal overexpression of miR-212 decreases, whereas its inhibition increases cocaine intake in rats with extended but not restricted drug access, suggesting that miR-212 serves as a protective factor against the development of compulsive drug seeking. The transcription factor CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) is considered a core regulator of cocaine reward.

ORGANISM(S): Rattus norvegicus

SUBMITTER: Paul Kenny 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-21901 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress