ReviewCocaine triggers epigenetic alterations in the corticostriatal circuit

- Cocaine exposure triggers complex adaptations in the brain.
- Epigenetic modifications are critical mechanisms underlying addiction.
- Alterations in epigenome is also linked to the heritability of drug-induced phenotypes.

Acute and repeated exposure to cocaine induces long-lasting alterations in neural networks that underlie compulsive drug seeking and taking. Cocaine exposure triggers complex adaptations in the brain that are mediated by dynamic patterns of gene expression that are translated into enduring changes. Recently, epigenetic modifications have been unveiled as critical mechanisms underlying addiction that contribute to drug-induced plasticity by regulating gene expression. These alterations are also now linked to the heritability of cocaine-induced phenotypes. This review focuses on how changes in the epigenome, such as altered DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, regulate transcription of specific genes that contribute to cocaine addiction.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:Addiction circuits.