Chromosome 17 and Drug Dependence
Two clusters of genes on chromosome 17 have been linked to opioid addiction - heroin, morphine and oxycontin. A linkage analysis of 393 families, most with at least two individuals with opioid dependence, scanned the genome for genetic markers that appear to be inherited more frequently between affected family members.
Dr. Joel Gelernter of Yale University:
These results provide a first basis to identify genes for opioid dependence from a genome-wide investigation. Research in the laboratory now is focused on finding specific genes that modify risk for opioid dependence.
Previously, the mu-opioid receptor OPRM1 gene located on chromosome six was associated with opioid addiction. Perhaps more potential genes of interest will be identified on chromosome 17. Gene-targeted therapy for drug addiction should prove to be an important adjunct to traditional behavioral therapy and medication.
To learn more, see the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
MedPage Today, April 12, 2006
Tags: addict, addiction, chromosomes, DNA, drug-addict, drugs, Genes, genetics, health, heroin, linkage-analysis, morphine, opioid, oxycodone, oxycontinRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Genetics of Disease
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Genetics and Health » Saturday Genetics Quiz #35: Linkage Analysis
Apr 15, 2006 at 3:03 am
[…] Earlier this week, I mentioned the use of linkage analysis to find an association between chromosome 17 and opioid addiction. So this week’s genetics quiz question is: […]
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