title: Optimizing cholinergic tone through lynx modulators of nicotinic receptors: implications for plasticity and nicotine addiction.
abstract: The cholinergic system underlies both adaptive (learning and memory) and nonadaptive (addiction and dependency) behavioral changes through its ability to shape and regulate plasticity. Protein modulators such as lynx family members can fine tune the activity of the cholinergic system and contribute to the graded response of the cholinergic system, stabilizing neural circuitry through direct interaction with nicotinic receptors. Release of this molecular brake can unmask cholinergic-dependent mechanisms in the brain. Lynx proteins have the potential to provide top-down control over plasticity mechanisms, including addictive propensity. If this is indeed the case, then, what regulates the regulator? Transcriptional changes of lynx genes in response to pharmacological, physiological, and pathological alterations are explored in this review.
authors.affiliation: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA. miwaj@caltech.edu
authors.forename: Julie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Miwa
authors.forename: Henry A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Lester
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Walz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000378:metabolism; D018678:Cholinergic Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D009538:Nicotine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000378:metabolism*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D018678:Cholinergic Agents; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D009538:Nicotine