Environmental exposure to nicotine is widespread and often unavoidable. Nicotine targets nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), stimulates the mesolimbic dopamine system, and leads to addiction. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the microRNA regulation of nAChRs in response to nicotine exposure using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C.elegans). C. elegans exhibit similar behavioral patterns as humans when exposed to nicotine. We hypothesize that nicotine exposure induces aberrant expressions of microRNAs that target nAChRs genes and regulate addiction behaviors. Preliminary data has successfully characterized addiction behavioral patterns following chronic low micromolar range nicotine exposures, including stimulation, withdrawal, and tolerance. In this study, expressions of nAChR genes were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Certain conserved miRNAs have been identified that potentially target nAChRs using target prediction algorithms. Findings provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms of nicotine addiction. Identified miRNAs would serve as therapeutic targets for addiction treatments.

Influence of nicotine on the expression of nAChRs and selected miRNAs in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>

246th National Meeting (2013)

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Influence of nicotine on the expression of nAChRs and selected miRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans