Accessories to addiction: G protein regulators play a key role in cocaine seeking and neuroplasticity.
The prefrontal cortex mediates many aspects of addiction. In this issue of Neuron, Bowers et al. demonstrate that an activator of G protein signaling (AGS3) is persistently upregulated in the prefrontal cortex after cessation of chronic cocaine treatment. Furthermore, they find that AGS3 is responsible for altered behavior, such as enhanced drug seeking, and altered neurotransmission in cocaine-treated rats, representing a novel therapeutic target.
Kelley
Ann E
AE
Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Training Program and Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, 6001 Research Park Boulevard, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
Schiltz
Craig A
CA
D000818:Animals; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D020555:GTP-Binding Protein Regulators / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*
D020555:GTP-Binding Protein Regulators