A study published in “Nature Communications” shows that the process by which the brain learns to associate signals with rewards – such as responding to something that benefits us or avoiding something that harms us – can be altered by the levels of a protein. … called KCC2.
This protein is essential for normal learning. When your activity increases or decreases too much, can affect the way the brain forms associations, an important mechanism for generating healthy habits… but also for addictive behaviors.
According to researchers at Georgetown University, changes in KCC2 can cause dopamine neurons – responsible for generating dopamine, the substance of “pleasure” and motivation – to fire more than usual. This makes it easier for the brain to create strong, persistent associations.
This process may explain why harmful habits form so easily. For example, a smoker may want to light a cigarette just to drink coffee, if he has learned to combine these two acts for years.
The authors point out that this mechanism is also involved in disorders such as addiction, depression and schizophrenia.
To understand this process, researchers analyzed the brains of rodents and conducted experiments in which a signal, such as a short sound, warned of a reward (a piece of sugar). They observed that changes in KCC2 altered the activity of dopamine neurons..
When these neurons fired synchronously, they produced small “bursts” of dopamine that helped the brain evaluate experiences.
Additionally, they found that these downloads appear essential for learning which situations are important or rewarding.
Implications for future treatments
The team also studied whether certain drugs, such as benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam), can influence these learning mechanisms. The results suggest that certain drugs could alter the coordination between neurons, opening new possibilities for understanding and treating brain disorders.
Researchers hope these findings will help develop more effective treatments for addiction and other brain problems in the future by intervening in how these associations form or correct themselves.
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