Small molecule modulators of ?2R/Tmem97 reduce alcohol withdrawal-induced behaviors.

ABSTRACT: Repeated cycles of intoxication and withdrawal enhance the negative reinforcing properties of alcohol and lead to neuroadaptations that underlie withdrawal symptoms driving alcohol dependence. Pharmacotherapies that target these neuroadaptations may help break the cycle of dependence. The sigma-1 receptor (?1R) subtype has attracted interest as a possible modulator of the rewarding and reinforcing effects of alcohol. However, whether the sigma-2 receptor, recently cloned and identified as transmembrane protein 97 (?2R/TMEM97), plays a role in alcohol-related behaviors is currently unknown. Using a Caenorhabditis elegans model, we identified two novel, selective ?2R/Tmem97 modulators that reduce alcohol withdrawal behavior via an ortholog of ?2R/TMEM97. We then show that one of these compounds blunted withdrawal-induced excessive alcohol drinking in a well-established rodent model of alcohol dependence. These discoveries provide the first evidence that ?2R/TMEM97 is involved in alcohol withdrawal behaviors and that this receptor is a potential new target for treating alcohol use disorder.

SUBMITTER: Scott LL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6046036 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature