• Abstract

    Drug abuse is a complex phenomenon with significant social, economic, and health implications worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation and histone modifications, have emerged as key regulators of gene expression in the context of drug addiction. This review provides an overview of the role of DNA methylation and histone modification in drug abuse, highlighting their involvement in the development, maintenance, and relapse of addiction. Recent advancements in the field, including insights into specific epigenetic changes associated with different classes of drugs and their impact on neuronal plasticity and behavior, are discussed. Furthermore, we explored the potential of targeting epigenetic mechanisms as therapeutic interventions for substance use disorders. A comprehensive understanding of the epigenetic regulation of addiction holds promise for the development of novel and personalized approaches to tackle drug abuse.

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Vagga, A., Jankar, J. S., Ganjare, R., & Makhe, P. (2024). Role of DNA Methylation and Histone Modification in Drug Abuse: Overview and Recent Updates. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(3), 2025096. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025096
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