Substance use disorders (SUD) are defined by an increased motivation to consume a drug and continued use despite harm. The inability to control drug use even in face of adverse consequences is known as compulsion and the transition from hedonic to compulsive drug taking is a hallmark of SUD.
The increasing utilization of high-throughput methods has enabled researchers to tackle complex, multi-parametric analyses on an unprecedented scale. Recently, growing evidence indicates that chronic drug administration promotes sustained changes in gene expression, altering synaptic function and circuit activity, leading to compulsive drug use in vulnerable individuals. However, significant challenges persist in improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the development of compulsive drug use. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathways that promote compulsive drug use is crucial to developing better therapeutic approaches for SUD.
The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a framework for an integrative view of the molecular aspects underlying compulsive drug use and to present recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms driving vulnerability.
We encourage the submission of basic, clinical, and translational studies that focus on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to understanding the neurobiology of compulsive drug use. We would be especially interested in work that integrates different aspects including the following:
• In vitro and in vivo studies focused on the molecular mechanisms associated with compulsive drug-taking or seeking.
• Identification of genes or molecular pathways associated with vulnerability to developing drug use despite negative consequences.
• In vitro or in vivo genetic manipulations studies investigating the role of novel candidate genes associated with compulsive drug use.
• Study of epigenetic mechanisms associated with compulsive drug use.
• Computerized and in silico studies for identifying novel molecular targets involved in compulsive drug use.
• Pharmacological manipulation of novel therapeutical targets associated with compulsive drug use.
Substance use disorders (SUD) are defined by an increased motivation to consume a drug and continued use despite harm. The inability to control drug use even in face of adverse consequences is known as compulsion and the transition from hedonic to compulsive drug taking is a hallmark of SUD.
The increasing utilization of high-throughput methods has enabled researchers to tackle complex, multi-parametric analyses on an unprecedented scale. Recently, growing evidence indicates that chronic drug administration promotes sustained changes in gene expression, altering synaptic function and circuit activity, leading to compulsive drug use in vulnerable individuals. However, significant challenges persist in improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the development of compulsive drug use. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathways that promote compulsive drug use is crucial to developing better therapeutic approaches for SUD.
The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a framework for an integrative view of the molecular aspects underlying compulsive drug use and to present recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms driving vulnerability.
We encourage the submission of basic, clinical, and translational studies that focus on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to understanding the neurobiology of compulsive drug use. We would be especially interested in work that integrates different aspects including the following:
• In vitro and in vivo studies focused on the molecular mechanisms associated with compulsive drug-taking or seeking.
• Identification of genes or molecular pathways associated with vulnerability to developing drug use despite negative consequences.
• In vitro or in vivo genetic manipulations studies investigating the role of novel candidate genes associated with compulsive drug use.
• Study of epigenetic mechanisms associated with compulsive drug use.
• Computerized and in silico studies for identifying novel molecular targets involved in compulsive drug use.
• Pharmacological manipulation of novel therapeutical targets associated with compulsive drug use.
