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The role of epigenetic mechanisms in the development of drug dependence
Durdilová, Marie ; Novotný, Jiří (advisor) ; Janoušková, Alena (referee)
The abuse of addictive substances is widely spread and carries numerous negative impacts, both on individuals and their surroundings. Some substances can lead to addiction after just a few doses, while for others, it may be a more prolonged process. However, the result is generally similar, with the prioritization of the drug or activity becoming the individual's main focus in life. This shift in priorities is linked to increased dopamine production due to the substance's effects, and the modulation of reward circuits in the brain. Changes in the connectivity and excitability of neurons in the mesolimbic and mesocorticolimbic dopamine systems lead to the development and maintenance of addiction. These neuronal changes are maintained in the body through epigenetic remodeling of chromatin. The pattern of epigenetic modifications, characteristic for a specific type of abused substance, can be passed on to the next generation, thereby increasing the potential for addiction development in offspring. Research on epigenetic modifications associated with addiction provides us with a deeper understanding of the neurophysiological changes accompanying drug addiction. At the same time, it raises the question of further treatment possibilities for drug addiction by targeting the epigenetic modifications that...
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