Figure 1. Interactions between cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and miR-212 in the control of cocaine intake. Cocaine increases the activity or 
expression of CREB, MeCP2, BDNF, and miR-212 in the striatum. In turn, CREB stimulates the expression of dynorphin and other genes that serve to decrease the motivational properties of cocaine and protect against addiction. Conversely, MeCP2 and BDNF increase the motivational properties of cocaine and increase vulnerability to addiction. CREB, MeCP2, and BDNF all share reciprocal interactions with miR-212, with miR-212 modulating the activity or expression to protect against the development of compulsive cocaine use. Red lines indicate an inhibitory action on activity or expression. Green lines indicated a stimulatory action.