Researchers are finally getting closer to deciphering the genes that code for serious addictions facing the world today. Addictions such as alcohol, nicotine and illicit drugs (cocaine and heroin) have been identified down to several genes which may link to multiple addictions.
Twin and family studies gave strong evidence that it is an interplay of genetic and environmental factors that play a part in addiction problems. One example was that of smokers with European ancestry with the “CYP2B6*6 genotype in the cytochrome p450 gene.” It found that they were much more likely to have a relapse after they quit smoking than smokers with a variation of the genotypes when on placebo.
They have to date identified precise genomic positions on 11 chromosomes where the above described addictions such as alcohol and drugs are clustered together. With further research, scientists hope to create highly personalized and effective treatments for persons with addictions to this assortment of substances.
Blog by Jayden Logan
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References
University of Virginia Health System (2009, March 16). Common Genes Tied To Alcohol, Nicotine, Cocaine Addictions. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 4, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/03/090310142912.htm
Ming D. Li & Margit Burmeister. New insights into the genetics of addiction. Nature Reviews Genetics, 2009; DOI: 10.1038/nrg2536http://www.nature.com.ezproxy.library.uq.edu.au/nrg/journal/v10/n4/full/nrg2536.html
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