To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating a role of Crem in mediating impulsive behavior. While altering Crem expression in the AcbC on its own was not sufficient to influence heroin intake or relapse potential, it may be an important component of the neural system underlying addiction vulnerability via impulsivity. Overall, the current translational approach brings attention to CREM in the AcbC as a regulator of impulsive action and therefore may help to identify novel pharmacotherapeutic targets in the treatment of ADHD and SUDs.
