title: Epigenetic control of gene expression in the alcoholic brain.
abstract: Chronic alcohol exposure causes widespread changes in brain gene expression in humans and animal models. Many of these contribute to cellular adaptations that ultimately lead to behavioral tolerance and alcohol dependence. There is an emerging appreciation for the role of epigenetic processes in alcohol-induced changes in brain gene expression and behavior. For example, chronic alcohol exposure produces changes in DNA and histone methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA expression that affect expression of multiple genes in various types of brain cells (i.e., neurons and glia) and contribute to brain pathology and brain plasticity associated with alcohol abuse and dependence. Drugs targeting the epigenetic "master regulators" are emerging as potential therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders and drug addiction.
authors: Waggoner Center fsor Alcohol and Addicion Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
authors: Igor
authors: I
authors: Ponomarev
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol