MicroRNAs—short RNA molecules naturally encoded by the genome that can bind to certain mRNA molecules, thereby repressing the further processing of these mRNAs—also might be involved in regulating alcohol’s effects (Miranda et al. 2010). These microRNAs also offer a new experimental method for silencing the expression of specifically targeted genes. The expression of microRNAs is sensitive to epigenetic modulation, and turning microRNAs on or off has become feasible in rodent models. Modification of microRNAs may offer a new pathway for identifying critical genes that can then serve as target for new therapeutic drugs for alcoholism treatment.
