Epigenetic Regulation of GABAergic Neurotransmission and Neurosteroid Biosynthesis in Alcohol Use Disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disorder. GABAA receptor (GABAAR) subunits are a target for the pharmacological effects of alcohol. Neurosteroids play an important role in the fine-tuning of GABAAR function in the brain. Recently, we have shown that AUD is associated with changes in DNA methylation mechanisms. However, the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis and GABAergic neurotransmission in AUD patients remains under-investigated.

Methods

In a cohort of postmortem brains from 20 male controls and AUD patients, we investigated the expression of GABAAR subunits and neurosteroid biosynthetic enzymes and their regulation by DNA methylation mechanisms. Neurosteroid levels were quantified by gas chromatography

SUBMITTER: Gatta E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7883893 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature