Ube2b-dependent degradation of DNMT3a relieves a transcriptional brake on opiate-induced synaptic and behavioral plasticity.

Compelling evidence suggests that synaptic structural plasticity, driven by remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, underlies addictive drugs-induced long-lasting behavioral plasticity. However, the signaling mechanisms leading to actin cytoskeleton remodeling remain poorly defined. DNA methylation is a critical mechanism used to control activity-dependent gene expression essential for long-lasting synaptic plasticity.

The Small GTPase Rac1 Contributes to Extinction of Aversive Memories of Drug Withdrawal by Facilitating GABA Receptor Endocytosis in the vmPFC.

Extinction of aversive memories has been a major concern in neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders and drug addiction. However, the mechanisms underlying extinction of aversive memories are not fully understood. Here, we report that extinction of conditioned place aversion (CPA) to naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal in male rats activates Rho GTPase Rac1 in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in a BDNF-dependent manner, which determines GABA receptor (GABAR) endocytosis via triggering synaptic translocation of activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) through facilitating actin polymerization.

Dissociative role for dorsal hippocampus in mediating heroin self-administration and relapse through CDK5 and RhoB signaling revealed by proteomic analysis.

Addiction is characterized by drug craving, compulsive drug taking and relapse, which is attributed to aberrant neuroadaptation in brain regions implicated in drug addiction, induced by changes in gene and protein expression in these regions after chronic drug exposure. Accumulating evidence suggests that the dorsal hippocampus (DH) plays an important role in mediating drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior and relapse. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects of the DH are unclear.

Glia protein aquaporin-4 regulates aversive motivation of spatial memory in Morris water maze.

Aims: Although extensive investigation has revealed that an astrocyte-specific protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) participates in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory, a functional relationship between AQP4 and learning processing has not been clearly established. This study was designed to test our hypothesis that AQP4 modulates the aversive motivation in Morris water maze (MWM).

Methods And Results: Using hidden platform training, we observed that AQP4 KO mice significantly decreased their swimming velocity compared with wild-type (WT) mice.

[Design, synthesis and antitumor activity of valproic acid salicylanilide esters].

A series of valproic acid salicylanilide esters were designed and synthesized based on the principle of prodrug. The structures of the target compounds were confirmed by MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Anti-tumor activities of these compounds against K562, A549, A431 cells in vitro were investigated by MTT assay and SRB assay.

[Synthesis of ferulic acid derivatives and their inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation].

Ferulic acid, an useful compound of Chinese traditional medicine, was used as leading compound. Six ferulic acid derivatives were designed and synthesized based on bioisosterism. Their structures were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra.