Memory Reconsolidation Updating in Substance Addiction: Applications, Mechanisms, and Future Prospects for Clinical Therapeutics
Shihao Huang1,2 · Xiaoxing Liu3 · Zhonghao Li1,2 · Yue Si1,2 · Liping Yang1,2 · Jiahui Deng3 · Yixiao Luo4 · Yan‑Xue Xue1,5 · Lin Lu1,3,61 Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
2 Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
3 Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
4 Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Afliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
5 Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
6 Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Abstract
Persistent and maladaptive drug-related memories represent a key component in drug addiction. Converging evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies has demonstrated the potential efficacy of the memory reconsolidation updating procedure (MRUP), a non-pharmacological strategy intertwining two distinct memory processes: reconsolidation and extinction—alternatively termed “the memory retrieval-extinction procedure”. This procedure presents a promising approach to attenuate, if not erase, entrenched drug memories and prevent relapse. The present review delineates the applications, molecular underpinnings, and operational boundaries of MRUP in the context of various forms of substance dependence. Furthermore, we critically examine the methodological limitations of MRUP, postulating potential refinement to optimize its therapeutic efficacy. In addition, we also look at the potential integration of MRUP and neurostimulation treatments in the domain of substance addiction. Overall, existing studies underscore the significant potential of MRUP, suggesting that interventions predicated on it could herald a promising avenue to enhance clinical outcomes in substance addiction therapy.
Keywords
Reconsolidation; Extinction; Memory reconsolidation updating; Retrieval-extinction; Drug addiction
