expression, miR-9 targets several other genes that influence alcohol use (e.g., neuronal exitability- GABRB2 and DRD2, function of presynaptic terminals- GABRB2, and gene expression and lipid metabolism- PPARA, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha). Rat studies suggest that other families of miRNAs may influence additional phenomnea such as the rewarding properties of alcohol via dopamine D1 receptor expression (i.e., miR-382) or the motivational effects of alcohol and drugs via regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression (i.e., miR-206). Additional research using population-based samples may expand our understanding of the role of miRNAs in development of SUD as well as the possibility of the use of miRNA expression as a biomarker for SUD diagnosis or treatment.
