Changes in a Single Gene’s Action Can Control Addiction-, Depression-related Behavior

Regulation of a single, specific gene in a brain region related to drug addiction and depression is sufficient to reduce drug and stress responses, according to a study recently published online in Nature Neuroscience. The study focuses on epigenetics. Previous research has found links between epigenetic regulation and the diseases of drug addiction and depression, in both human patients and animal models. Using mouse models of human depression, stress and addiction, the current research team introduced synthetic-transcription factors into the nucleus accumbens at a single gene called FosB, previously linked to both addiction and depression. They found that changes to this single gene brought on by the transcription factors made the study mice more resilient to stress and less likely to become addicted to cocaine. To learn more about the study, click here.