Researchers have identified another gene that may influence an individual’s risk of opioid dependence. This adds further evidence that genetic factors play a crucial role in determining the likelihood that a given individual might develop an addiction.
Opioid Addiction Gene Found in DNA
A study, published in Biological Psychiatry, analyzed the genomes of more than 5,000 Americans who had been exposed to opioids. The study looked at the genetic differences between those who developed opioid dependence and those who didn’t. A genetic variant was found on one chromosome, near a gene called RGMA. This gene has been associated with opioid dependence in European- and African Americans. Additionally, members of the same research team have identified other genetic variants related to opioid dependence in the past.
Other genetic markers have also been found to influence the risk of opioid addiction and opioid use disorder. A review of genomic studies identified candidate genes that impact opioid addiction risk. These genes include the delta-opioid receptor (OPRD1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2), and mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1). Despite these advances, genome-wide association studies are still only scratching the surface of the potential genetic influences contributing to the development of opioid addiction. Further research will continue to unveil additional genetic markers for a wide variety of conditions including opioid use disorder.
Gene Expression
In human DNA, researchers found a correlation between the expression of genes including RGMA and the development of psychiatric disorders. Some of these conditions include schizophrenia, autism, and Alzheimer’s. However, addiction and mental illness are affected by multiple genes. The expression of certain genes may have a larger effect on a particular condition than the expression of other genes. For example, schizophrenia has been connected to more than 100 genetic markers. It is likely that this is just another piece of the overall genetic addiction puzzle. As is the case of many complex conditions, in opioid addiction, a number of genes have a small effect on the overall phenotype or expression of the condition. Identifying these factors can lead to novel treatment opportunities and expand upon our understanding of a variety of conditions related to addiction.
Genetics of Addiction
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40% to 60% of a person’s addiction vulnerability is related to specific genetic factors in their genome. One’s vulnerability also includes the impact of environmental factors on how those genes are expressed. These numbers explain the variability across a population more than how much of an individual’s addiction risk is determined directly by their genes. The relevant importance of any genetic or environmental factor varies from person to person. One specific gene can have very little or a significant impact on addiction. When an individual’s genome contains a high number of alleles associated with a particular addiction, their genetic predisposition to that condition increases. Understanding your genetic predisposition to addiction and other conditions can help you to make informed decisions about your health.
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