Hence, miR-181a may be a key miRNA involved in drug-induced remodeling of the nucleus accumbens and greater striatal complex in response to drug exposure, thereby driving regulating the emergence of addiction. Recent evidence suggests that miRNAs also play a key role in the actions of other classes of addictive drugs, including nicotine, alcohol, and opiates; for recent review and detailed table describing specific miRNAs see Im and Kenny (2012).
