New research on the biological basis of addiction has found that the critical epigenetic enzyme histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) limits the expression of the gene Scn4b, regulating neuronal activity and thereby the formation of strong drug-related memories, which can trigger relapse in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). The study in Biological Psychiatry, published by Elsevier, detailing these epigenetic mechanisms in the brain, uncovers a new molecular target for the development of novel SUD treatments.

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