Heroin self-administration induces sex-specific SUMOylation at early abstinence

Introduction: Opioid use disorder, particularly heroin use disorder (HUD), is a major medical challenge, marked by severe withdrawal symptoms and a high risk of relapse. Heroin abuse leads to severe withdrawal and high relapse rates, with neuroadaptations contributing to relapse. Sex-specific differences in heroin-induced neuroadaptations are poorly understood, limiting effective therapies. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), such as SUMOylation, play a key role in regulating protein function and neuroplasticity. SUMOylation attaches SUMO proteins to lysine residues, altering protein activity and influencing addiction mechanisms. Understanding sex-specific PTMs like SUMOylation could reveal new therapeutic targets for heroin addiction.