All in the family - scientists discover gene for cocaine addiction

[Al-khiyal]

All in the family - scientists discover gene for cocaine addiction

November 11, 2008 -- It has become commonplace for people who are overweight to attribute their waistline to their DNA. Now, celebrities caught snorting cocaine might also be able to blame their parents.

Scientists reported yesterday the discovery of a gene that increases the chances of becoming hooked on the drug. Addicts were 25% more likely to carry the gene variant than people who did not use cocaine, a study found.

The discovery is unlikely to lead to a treatment for cocaine addicts, but scientists hope it could be used to screen for those most likely to have problems kicking the habit if they ever try the drug.

"If you are a carrier of this gene variant, the likelihood of getting addicted to cocaine is higher," said Rainer Spanagel, a professor of psychopharmacology at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany, who led the study. "You can certainly use this as a vulnerability marker for cocaine addiction."

He said people found to be susceptible to cocaine addiction could be given counselling or protected with experimental vaccines now being developed. The vaccines are designed to block the "high", or euphoria, associated with the drug.

Last week, an analysis by the European Union's drug agency put Britain at the top of its list of cocaine-abusing states, with its users outnumbering all those elsewhere on the continent.

Genetic factors, scientists believe, account for 70% of cocaine addiction, making it as heritable as schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. Studies of twins suggest alcoholism is about 50% genetic.

Researchers linked a version of the CAMK4 gene with cocaine addiction after studying mice that had been genetically modified to alter the gene. One particular breed was affected more strongly by the drug and became addicted quicker than others in the group, according to the study in the US journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

To see if the gene played a role in cocaine addiction in humans, the researchers ran genetic tests on 670 cocaine addicts and more than 700 matched non-users. While 40% of non-users carried the gene, it was found in half of the addicts.

[Bent_Bladi]

um, how bout DON'T try it so you don't risk getting addicted...

damn, people are so obsessed with cures nowadays they don't even think about prevention

[Cheba_Mami]

It may not be the same gene for all addictions, but if a person is addicted to one thing- which can be anything- he/she is likely to become addicted to something else (replacement of addiction which might even look harmless) and so is their offspring. There is definately a pattern and who knows how many genes are involved.

[Bent_Bladi]

^ exactly, it's not always about this one gene that's responsible for another... other genes influence others, there are different mutations in each human, and kaman the environment has a huge influence on genetics --------------> prevention

[Bent_Bladi]

and kaman for smoking:


SMOKING: A GENETIC ADDICTION
REPORT: MB #2909

BACKGROUND: According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking is the most important source of preventable deaths and illnesses and early deaths worldwide. Many of these deaths are a result of choices made in the teenage years. Every day, about 4,000 children between the ages of 12 and 17 smoke their first cigarette, and half of them will ultimately die because of their habit. Smoking at a young age produces immediate health problems including cough and phlegm production, respiratory illness, decreased physical fitness, an unfavorable lipid profile and lung damage. Health problems linked to smoking don't disappear in adulthood. In fact, the problems often get worse. The American Cancer Society says cigarette smoking accounts for an astounding 30 percent of all cancer deaths, and 87 percent of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Research shows smoking during youth often serves as a "gateway drug" to use of illegal drugs.

THE ROLE OF GENETICS: The genetics behind smoking has not been overlooked. Scientists have identified the genetics behind both an increased lung cancer and an increased heart attack risk in smokers. One recent study examined the genetics of smokers who were successful and smokers who were unsuccessful at quitting their habit. They found a person's ability to quit smoking is highly influenced by genetic variants -- variants that overlap with a person's vulnerability to dependence on other addictive substances. Experts say the gene variants responsible for a person's level of addiction are possible targets for anti-smoking therapies.

A NEW LINK: Research shows smoking as a teenager is associated with greater consumption of cigarettes as an adult and a stronger addiction to smoking in adulthood. A recent breakthrough study revealed a link between a genetic variant and early-onset nicotine addiction. The research, conducted at University of Utah, shows those who begin smoking at or before age 16 are likely to suffer a severe dependence on nicotine as adults. Although much research points to an association between early-onset smoking and severe addiction in adulthood, this study is the first to link gene variances, adult addiction and the age at which smoking begins. A related finding in the same study suggests another genetic variant actually protects against nicotine addiction in adulthood. Although the study only involved European Americans, researchers say the findings will likely apply to other populations.

WHAT NOW? During the teenage years, the human body is highly sensitive to nicotine reward and not very sensitive to nicotine's negative effects. This knowledge, coupled with the recent discovery of a genetic link to addiction in adulthood, leads experts to speculate on a possible plan to put a dent in the smoking epidemic. Study authors say one of the next steps is to identify those who have the risky genetic factor and create targeted prevention and treatment plans for them. This could combat a portion of the smoking epidemic and perhaps lower the national burden of smoking-related illness.