NAC-1 Is a Brain POZ/BTB Protein That Can Prevent Cocaine-Induced Sensitization in the Rat

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.20-16-06210.2000
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03T22:05:13Z
• Authors: Scott A. Mackler; Laxminarayana Kor...; Xian-Yuan Cha; Mark J. Koebbe; Keith M. Fournier; M. Scott Bowers; Peter W. Kalivas
• Keywords: Transcription; Forebrain

Levels of the mRNA <i>NAC-1</i> are increased in rat forebrain weeks after cocaine exposure. This long-term neuroadaptation occurs during expression behavioral sensitization, a model psychostimulant-induced paranoia. NAC-1, protein encoded by this cocaine-regulated mRNA, contains Pox virus and zinc finger/bric-a-brac tramtrack broad complex (POZ/BTB) motif, which mediates interactions among several transcriptional regulators. The present studies demonstrate that NAC-1 acts as transcription factor. was localized to nucleus neurons brain. Transfection cell culture repressed reporter gene. also able affect actions other POZ/BTB proteins mammalian two-hybrid studies; these required presence domain. However, appears be unique regulator because it does not contain any finger regions found DNA-binding proteins. Adenoviral-mediated overexpression accumbens prevented development but sensitization produced repeated administration cocaine. Thus, may modify behaviors psychostimulant abuse regulating gene