mTORC1 is a key molecular transducer of alcohol-dependent plasticity, seeking and relapse

The serine and threonine kinase mammalian target of rapamycin in complex 1 (mTORC1) controls the translation of a subset of mRNAs. In the adult brain, mTORC1 plays an important role in synaptic plasticity and memory by activating the translational machinery at dendrites. We previously discovered that excessive alcohol intake activates mTORC1 in the nucleus accumbens (Nac) of rodents. We further showed that mTORC1 plays an important role in the mechanisms that underlie the development and maintenance of excessive alcohol consumption as well as the reconsolidation of alcohol seeking memories.

Source: Alcohol - May 1, 2017 Category: Addiction Authors: Dorit Ron Source Type: research