In this intriguing episode, we welcome Dr. Maldonado, who takes us on a journey into the realm of food addiction, its relation to obesity and other eating disorders, and the largely unknown mechanisms driving these behaviors. Dr. Maldonado's groundbreaking research delves into the role of microRNA (miRNA) expression in food addiction.

We discuss the striking similarities found between miRNA signatures in the medial prefrontal cortex of animals and circulating miRNA levels in humans. This comparison has shed light on several miRNAs of potential interest in understanding the development of food addiction.

Dr. Maldonado shares fascinating insights on how the inhibition of specific miRNAs, like miRNA-29c-3p and miRNA-665-3p, in the mouse mPFC can impact behavior and increase vulnerability to food addiction. On the other hand, we explore how the inhibition of miRNA-137-3p doesn't seem to contribute to food addiction.

These findings open up an exciting field of study that could lead to the identification of innovative biomarkers for food addiction and inform future interventions. Join us as we explore the intriguing world of epigenetic mechanisms and their role in food addiction.

Keywords: Food Addiction, Obesity, Eating Disorders, MicroRNA, Dr. Maldonado, Behavioral Control, Epigenetic Mechanisms, miRNA-29c-3p, miRNA-665-3p, miRNA-137-3p.

miRNA signatures associated with vulnerability to food addiction in mice and humans https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI156281