The role of fibroblast growth factor 2 in drug addiction

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a member of the FGF‐family, which consists of 22 members, with four known FGF receptors (five in humans). Over the last 30 years, FGF2 has been extensively studied for its role in cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, survival and angiogenesis during development, as well as for its role in adult neurogenesis and regenerative plasticity. Over the past decade, FGF2 has been implicated in learning and memory, as well as in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety, stress, depression and drug addiction. In this review, we present accumulating evidence indicating the involvement of FGF2 in neuroadaptations caused by drugs of abuse, namely, amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine and alcohol. Moreover, evidence suggests that FGF2 is a positive regulator of alcohol and drug‐related behaviors. Thus, although additional studies are yet required, we suggest that reducing FGF2 activity may provide a novel therapeutic approach for substance use disorders. Exposure to drugs of abuse alters the expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in addiction‐related brain regions. Accumulating evidence suggests that FGF2 may be a positive regulator of alcohol and drug‐related behaviors; therefore, more research is needed to determine whether interference with FGF2 activity is a potential therapeutic direction.