Epigenetic alterations of the POMC promoter in tobacco dependence
Impaired regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is substantially involved in several psychiatric disorders. Smoking interferes with HPA axis by activating proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons and thus stimulating the expression of POMC. The POMC transcript is processed into several peptide hormones, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), that play a role in stress response and weight control. In alcohol dependence, POMC promoter methylation is associated with craving.
Source: European Neuropsychopharmacology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Marc Muschler, Mathias Rhein, Andreas Ritter, Thomas Hillemacher, Helge Frieling, Stefan Bleich, Alexander Glahn Tags: SHORT COMMUNICATION Source Type: research