Prosapip1-Dependent Synaptic Adaptations in the Nucleus Accumbens Drive Alcohol Intake, Seeking, and Reward

Neuron. 2017 Sep 27;96(1):145-159.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.08.037. Epub 2017 Sep 8.

Abstract

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a transducer of local dendritic translation, participates in learning and memory processes as well as in mechanisms underlying alcohol-drinking behaviors. Using an unbiased RNA-seq approach, we identified Prosapip1 as a novel downstream target of mTORC1 whose translation and consequent synaptic protein expression are increased in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of mice excessively consuming alcohol. We demonstrate that alcohol-dependent increases in Prosapip1 levels promote the formation of actin filaments, leading to changes in dendritic spine morphology of NAc medium spiny neurons (MSNs). We further demonstrate that Prosapip1 is required for alcohol-dependent synaptic localization of GluA2 lacking AMPA receptors in NAc shell MSNs. Finally, we present data implicating Prosapip1 in mechanisms underlying alcohol self-administration and reward. Together, these data suggest that Prosapip1 in the NAc is a molecular transducer of structural and synaptic alterations that drive and/or maintain excessive alcohol use.

Keywords: Actin; Addiction; Alcohol; Dendritic spines; Plasticity; Prosapip1; mTORC1.

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Alcohol Drinking / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Dendritic Spines / metabolism
  • Drug-Seeking Behavior / physiology*
  • Ethanol / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mice
  • Multiprotein Complexes / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Nucleus Accumbens / metabolism
  • Nucleus Accumbens / physiology*
  • Receptors, AMPA / metabolism
  • Reward*
  • Self Administration
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / physiology*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • ProSAPiP1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, AMPA
  • Ethanol
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • glutamate receptor ionotropic, AMPA 2