Epigenetics

What is the process of synthesizing mRNA from DNA called?

Transcription.

How does mRNA move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm?

Through nuclear pores.

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

mRNA is decoded to produce an amino acid chain during translation.

What causes closed chromatin, which switches genes off?

Methylation of DNA and histones.

What does open chromatin signify?

Genes are switched on.

What type of modification do histone acetyltransferases (HATs) catalyze?

Acetylation, which opens genes.

What do histone deacetylases (HDACs) do?

Catalyze deacetylation, closing genes.

Define epigenetics.

The switching on or off of genes.

Give an example of a factor that can alter epigenetic states.

Environmental changes, such as exposure to chemicals.

List one mental disorder associated with epigenetic factors.

Autism.

Name the neurotransmitter involved in long-term potentiation (LTP).

Glutamate.

What happens to the NMDA receptor when enough Na+ enters the cell?

Magnesium (Mg2+) is expelled.

What is the transcription factor that binds to CRE DNA sequences during LTP?

CREB (cAMP response element binding protein).

What is the result of activating protein kinase pathways during LTP?

Strengthening the connection between neurons.

How does early LTP differ from late LTP?

Early LTP is rapid, short-lived, and protein-independent.

What effect does HDAC inhibition have on long-term memory?

Generates a type of long-term memory that persists beyond normal recognition memory.

What is the Gateway Hypothesis in relation to drug addiction?

Nicotine may act as an HDAC inhibitor, facilitating responses to cocaine.

How do drugs of abuse appear to influence epigenetic changes?

They alter the epigenetic landscape that affects learning.

What is one potential effect of prenatal stress on addiction risk?

Increased risk of mental disease later in life.

What histone modification is associated with increased FosB expression after nicotine pretreatment?

Increased H3K9 acetylation.

What is one way that drug-induced epigenetic changes can be passed to offspring?

Through epigenetic changes induced in sperm or ova.

What role does BDNF play in drug addiction related to epigenetic factors?

Regulates neuronal health and growth, and suppresses cocaine self-administration.

What happens to chromatin structure when histone acetylation occurs?

Nucleosomes pack loosely and genes can be expressed.

What is the result of repeated drug exposure in vulnerable individuals?

It may lead to stable epigenetic changes associated with addiction.

What factor can complicate the understanding of addiction vulnerability?

The interplay of genetic and environmental factors.

What is the impact of sodium butyrate after training in object recognition tasks?

It generates persistent long-term memory beyond normal memory limits.

How does environmental exposure affect gene expression?

It may alter how the brain works and behavior expressed.

What is a common characteristic of epigenetic changes involved in mental disorders?

They interact with both genetic and environmental factors.

Name a neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by epigenetic factors.

Schizophrenia.

What are transcription factors?

Proteins that bind to DNA to regulate gene expression.

What can cause the establishment of epigenetic changes in response to environmental factors?

Stressors experienced during prenatal development.

How can drugs of abuse affect histone modifications?

They can cause numerous changes in histone acetylation, methylation, and DNA methylation.

What is one outcome of early life stress on brain development?

Increased vulnerability to addiction later in life.

How might epigenetics inform pharmacotherapy development?

It may reveal mechanisms for long-lasting changes induced by drugs, guiding treatment strategies.