Epigenetic regulation of motivated behaviors by histone deacetylase inhibitors

Abstract

Growing evidence has begun to elucidate the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms in the modulation and maintenance of gene expression and behavior. Histone acetylation is one such epigenetic mechanism, which has been shown to profoundly alter gene expression and behaviors. In this review, we begin with an overview of the major epigenetic mechanisms including histones acetylation. We next focus on recent evidence about the influence of environmental stimuli on various motivated behaviors through histone acetylation and highlight how histone deacetylase inhibitors can correct some of the pathologies linked to motivated behaviors including substance abuse, feeding and social attachments. Particularly, we emphasize that the effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on motivated behaviors are time and context-dependent.

Keywords: Aggression; Drug addiction; Epigenetics; Feeding; Histone deacetylase inhibitors; Maternal behavior; Pair bonding; Sexual behaviors; Social behaviors.