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Pierce RC, Fant B, Swinford-Jackson SE, Heller EA, Berrettini WH, Wimmer ME. Environmental, genetic and epigenetic contributions to cocaine addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1471-1480. [PMID: 29453446 PMCID: PMC5983541 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research on cocaine has produced volumes of data that have answered many important questions about the nature of this highly addictive drug. Sadly, none of this information has translated into the development of effective therapies for the treatment of cocaine addiction. This review endeavors to assess the current state of cocaine research in an attempt to identify novel pathways for therapeutic development. For example, risk of cocaine addiction is highly heritable but genome-wide analyses comparing cocaine-dependent individuals to controls have not resulted in promising targets for drug development. Is this because the genetics of addiction is too complex or because the existing research methodologies are inadequate? Likewise, animal studies have revealed dozens of enduring changes in gene expression following prolonged exposure to cocaine, none of which have translated into therapeutics either because the resulting compounds were ineffective or produced intolerable side-effects. Recently, attention has focused on epigenetic modifications resulting from repeated cocaine intake, some of which appear to be heritable through changes in the germline. While epigenetic changes represent new vistas for therapeutic development, selective manipulation of epigenetic marks is currently challenging even in animals such that translational potential is a distant prospect. This review will reveal that despite the enormous progress made in understanding the molecular and physiological bases of cocaine addiction, there is much that remains a mystery. Continued advances in genetics and molecular biology hold potential for revealing multiple pathways toward the development of treatments for the continuing scourge of cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Christopher Pierce
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Bruno Fant
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Sarah E. Swinford-Jackson
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Heller
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Wade H. Berrettini
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Mathieu E. Wimmer
- 0000 0001 2248 3398grid.264727.2Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
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2
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TPH2 polymorphisms across the spectrum of psychiatric morbidity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 92:29-42. [PMID: 29775696 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) is the rate-limiting enzyme in brain serotonin synthesis. The TPH2 gene has frequently been investigated in relation to psychiatric morbidity. The aim of the present review is to integrate results from association studies between TPH2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and various psychiatric disorders, which we furthermore quantified with meta-analysis. We reviewed 166 studies investigating 69 TPH2 SNPs in a broad range of psychiatric disorders, including over 30,000 patients. According to our meta-analysis, TPH2 polymorphisms show strongest associations with mood disorders, suicide (attempt) and schizophrenia. Despite small effect sizes, we conclude that TPH2 SNPs in the coding and non-coding areas (rs4570625, rs11178997, rs11178998, rs10748185, rs1843809, rs4290270, rs17110747) are each associated with one or more psychopathological conditions. Our findings highlight the possible common serotonergic mechanisms of the investigated psychiatric disorders. Yet, the functional relevance of most TPH2 polymorphisms is unclear. Characterizing how exactly the different TPH2 variants influence the serotonergic neurotransmission is a next necessary step in understanding the psychiatric disorders where serotonin is implicated.
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Prom-Wormley EC, Ebejer J, Dick DM, Bowers MS. The genetic epidemiology of substance use disorder: A review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 180:241-259. [PMID: 28938182 PMCID: PMC5911369 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorder (SUD) remains a significant public health issue. A greater understanding of how genes and environment interact to regulate phenotypes comprising SUD will facilitate directed treatments and prevention. METHODS The literature studying the neurobiological correlates of SUD with a focus on the genetic and environmental influences underlying these mechanisms was reviewed. Results from twin/family, human genetic association, gene-environment interaction, epigenetic literature, phenome-wide association studies are summarized for alcohol, nicotine, cannabinoids, cocaine, and opioids. RESULTS There are substantial genetic influences on SUD that are expected to influence multiple neurotransmission pathways, and these influences are particularly important within the dopaminergic system. Genetic influences involved in other aspects of SUD etiology including drug processing and metabolism are also identified. Studies of gene-environment interaction emphasize the importance of environmental context in SUD. Epigenetic studies indicate drug-specific changes in gene expression as well as differences in gene expression related to the use of multiple substances. Further, gene expression is expected to differ by stage of SUD such as substance initiation versus chronic substance use. While a substantial literature has developed for alcohol and nicotine use disorders, there is comparatively less information for other commonly abused substances. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of genetically-mediated mechanisms involved in the neurobiology of SUD provides increased opportunity to develop behavioral and biologically based treatment and prevention of SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Prom-Wormley
- Dvision of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980212, Richmond, VA 23298-0212, USA.
| | - Jane Ebejer
- School of Cognitive Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Danielle M Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 842509, Richmond, VA 23284-2509, USA
| | - M Scott Bowers
- Faulk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Biomedical Engeneering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
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Havranek MM, Vonmoos M, Müller CP, Büetiger JR, Tasiudi E, Hulka LM, Preller KH, Mössner R, Grünblatt E, Seifritz E, Quednow BB. Serotonin Transporter and Tryptophan Hydroxylase Gene Variations Mediate Working Memory Deficits of Cocaine Users. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2929-37. [PMID: 26013962 PMCID: PMC4864628 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine users consistently develop working memory (WM) impairments but the mediating molecular mechanisms are unknown so far. Recent evidence suggests that the serotonin (5-HT) system is altered by chronic cocaine use, while also being involved in WM processing. Thus, we investigated the effects of genetic variations impacting 5-HT activity and of peripheral 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) mRNA expression on WM performance in cocaine users and stimulant naive controls. Two hundred twenty participants (126 cocaine users, 94 controls) were assessed with visuospatial, spatial, and verbal WM tasks, genotyped for the length polymorphism in the promoter region of the 5-HTT (5-HTTLPR), the variable number of tandem repeats in the second intron of the 5-HTT (VNTR In2), two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs4570625 and rs1386497) in the tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) gene and quantified for peripheral 5-HTT mRNA expression in whole-blood samples. Several significant gene × environment interactions between 5-HT genotypes and cocaine use on WM emerged: in cocaine users, the long/long (5-HTTLPR), 9+10/9+10 (VNTR In2) and C/C (TPH2 rs1386497) genotypes were risk alleles for WM impairments, whereas in healthy controls these polymorphisms were associated with improved WM performance. Analogously, high 5-HTT mRNA levels were associated with worse executive WM performance in cocaine users but with increased performance in controls. These gene × environment interactions suggest that the 5-HT system has an important role in the development of cognitive deficits in chronic cocaine users. Hence, pharmacological compounds targeting 5-HT neurotransmission might be promising for the treatment of cognitive deficits in cocaine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Havranek
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jessica R Büetiger
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eve Tasiudi
- University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea M Hulka
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rainald Mössner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Tel: +41 44 384 2777, Fax: +41 44 384 3396, E-mail:
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5
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The role of serotonin in drug use and addiction. Behav Brain Res 2014; 277:146-92. [PMID: 24769172 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of psychoactive drugs is a wide spread behaviour in human societies. The systematic use of a drug requires the establishment of different drug use-associated behaviours which need to be learned and controlled. However, controlled drug use may develop into compulsive drug use and addiction, a major psychiatric disorder with severe consequences for the individual and society. Here we review the role of the serotonergic (5-HT) system in the establishment of drug use-associated behaviours on the one hand and the transition and maintenance of addiction on the other hand for the drugs: cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), morphine/heroin, cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine. Results show a crucial, but distinct involvement of the 5-HT system in both processes with considerable overlap between psychostimulant and opioidergic drugs and alcohol. A new functional model suggests specific adaptations in the 5-HT system, which coincide with the establishment of controlled drug use-associated behaviours. These serotonergic adaptations render the nervous system susceptible to the transition to compulsive drug use behaviours and often overlap with genetic risk factors for addiction. Altogether we suggest a new trajectory by which serotonergic neuroadaptations induced by first drug exposure pave the way for the establishment of addiction.
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Hall FS, Drgonova J, Jain S, Uhl GR. Implications of genome wide association studies for addiction: are our a priori assumptions all wrong? Pharmacol Ther 2013; 140:267-79. [PMID: 23872493 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Substantial genetic contributions to addiction vulnerability are supported by data from twin studies, linkage studies, candidate gene association studies and, more recently, Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Parallel to this work, animal studies have attempted to identify the genes that may contribute to responses to addictive drugs and addiction liability, initially focusing upon genes for the targets of the major drugs of abuse. These studies identified genes/proteins that affect responses to drugs of abuse; however, this does not necessarily mean that variation in these genes contributes to the genetic component of addiction liability. One of the major problems with initial linkage and candidate gene studies was an a priori focus on the genes thought to be involved in addiction based upon the known contributions of those proteins to drug actions, making the identification of novel genes unlikely. The GWAS approach is systematic and agnostic to such a priori assumptions. From the numerous GWAS now completed several conclusions may be drawn: (1) addiction is highly polygenic; each allelic variant contributing in a small, additive fashion to addiction vulnerability; (2) unexpected, compared to our a priori assumptions, classes of genes are most important in explaining addiction vulnerability; (3) although substantial genetic heterogeneity exists, there is substantial convergence of GWAS signals on particular genes. This review traces the history of this research; from initial transgenic mouse models based upon candidate gene and linkage studies, through the progression of GWAS for addiction and nicotine cessation, to the current human and transgenic mouse studies post-GWAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Scott Hall
- Molecular Neurobiology Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
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Fernàndez-Castillo N, Roncero C, Grau-Lopez L, Barral C, Prat G, Rodriguez-Cintas L, Sánchez-Mora C, Gratacòs M, Ramos-Quiroga J, Casas M, Ribasés M, Cormand B. Association study of 37 genes related to serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission and neurotrophic factors in cocaine dependence. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2013; 12:39-46. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Revised: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - G. Prat
- Mental Health Division, Fundació Althaia; Hospital San Joan de Déu, Manresa; Catalonia; Spain
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8
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Duncan JR. Current perspectives on the neurobiology of drug addiction: a focus on genetics and factors regulating gene expression. ISRN NEUROLOGY 2012; 2012:972607. [PMID: 23097719 PMCID: PMC3477671 DOI: 10.5402/2012/972607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder defined by cyclic patterns of compulsive drug seeking and taking interspersed with episodes of abstinence. While genetic variability may increase the risk of addictive behaviours in an individual, exposure to a drug results in neuroadaptations in interconnected brain circuits which, in susceptible individuals, are believed to underlie the transition to, and maintenance of, an addicted state. These adaptations can occur at the cellular, molecular, or (epi)genetic level and are associated with synaptic plasticity and altered gene expression, the latter being mediated via both factors affecting translation (epigenetics) and transcription (non coding microRNAs) of the DNA or RNA itself. New advances using techniques such as optogenetics have the potential to increase our understanding of the microcircuitry mediating addictive behaviours. However, the processes leading to addiction are complex and multifactorial and thus we face a major contemporary challenge to elucidate the factors implicated in the development and maintenance of an addicted state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhodie R Duncan
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia ; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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Agrawal A, Verweij KJH, Gillespie NA, Heath AC, Lessov-Schlaggar CN, Martin NG, Nelson EC, Slutske WS, Whitfield JB, Lynskey MT. The genetics of addiction-a translational perspective. Transl Psychiatry 2012; 2:e140. [PMID: 22806211 PMCID: PMC3410620 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2012.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Addictions are serious and common psychiatric disorders, and are among the leading contributors to preventable death. This selective review outlines and highlights the need for a multi-method translational approach to genetic studies of these important conditions, including both licit (alcohol, nicotine) and illicit (cannabis, cocaine, opiates) drug addictions and the behavioral addiction of disordered gambling. First, we review existing knowledge from twin studies that indicates both the substantial heritability of substance-specific addictions and the genetic overlap across addiction to different substances. Next, we discuss the limited number of candidate genes which have shown consistent replication, and the implications of emerging genomewide association findings for the genetic architecture of addictions. Finally, we review the utility of extensions to existing methods such as novel phenotyping, including the use of endophenotypes, biomarkers and neuroimaging outcomes; emerging methods for identifying alternative sources of genetic variation and accompanying statistical methodologies to interpret them; the role of gene-environment interplay; and importantly, the potential role of genetic variation in suggesting new alternatives for treatment of addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Kobayashi H, Ujike H, Iwata N, Inada T, Yamada M, Sekine Y, Uchimura N, Iyo M, Ozaki N, Itokawa M, Sora I. Association analysis of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene polymorphisms in patients with methamphetamine dependence/psychosis. Curr Neuropharmacol 2011; 9:176-82. [PMID: 21886586 PMCID: PMC3137177 DOI: 10.2174/157015911795017335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 04/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing evidence that serotoninergic systems modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission. We analyzed the association between the variations in the brain tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) gene, a rate limiting enzyme for serotonin biosynthesis, and methamphetamine (METH) dependence/psychosis in a Japanese population. We found ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two polynucleotide polymorphisms in TPH2 gene exons and exon-intron boundaries. A total of 162 patients and 243 controls were used for the association analysis between these polymorphisms and METH dependence/psychosis. No significant differences were observed in either genotypic or allelic frequencies between METH dependent/psychotic patients and controls. A global test of differentiation among samples based on haplotype frequencies showed no significant association. With respect to latency of psychosis, prognosis of psychosis, and spontaneous relapse, we found no significant association with these SNPs. These results suggest that the TPH2 gene variants may not be a factor in vulnerability to METH dependence/psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Kobayashi
- Department of Biological Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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Müller CP, Pum ME, Schumann G, Huston JP. The Role of Serotonin in Drug Addiction. HANDBOOK OF BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-7339(10)70099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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12
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Lohoff FW, Weller AE, Bloch PJ, Dahl JP, Doyle GA, Ferraro TN, Kampman KM, Pettinati HM, Dackis CA, O’Brien CP, Berrettini WH. Association between the catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism and cocaine dependence. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008; 33:3078-84. [PMID: 18704099 PMCID: PMC2583214 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2008.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic brain systems have been documented to have a major role in drug reward, thus making genes involved in these circuits plausible candidates for susceptibility to substance use disorders. The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is involved in the degradation of catecholamines and a functional polymorphism (Val158Met) has been suggested to influence enzyme activity. In this study we hypothesize that genetic variation in the COMT gene contributes to increased risk for cocaine dependence. Cocaine-dependent individuals (n=330) and screened unaffected normal controls (n=255) were genotyped for three SNPs in the COMT gene (rs737865, rs4680 (Val158Met), rs165599). All cases and controls were of African descent. Genotype and allele frequencies differed significantly for the Val158Met polymorphism between cases (f(Met)=35%) and controls (f(Met)=27%) (p=0.004; corrected p=0.014; OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.12-1.86). Haplotype analysis showed a significant association for a two-marker haplotype rs737865-Val158Met (p=0.005). Results suggest that variation in COMT increases risk for cocaine dependence. The low enzyme activity 158Met allele or haplotypes containing this variant might have functional effects on dopamine-derived reward processes and cortical functions resulting in increased susceptibility for cocaine dependence. Additional studies are required to elucidate the role of COMT in the pathophysiology of substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk W. Lohoff
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine,Corresponding Author: Falk W. Lohoff, MD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, Translational Research Laboratory, 125 South 31st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Office: (215) 573-4582, Fax: (215) 573-2041,
| | - Andrew E. Weller
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
| | - Paul J. Bloch
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
| | - John P. Dahl
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
| | - Glenn A. Doyle
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
| | - Thomas N. Ferraro
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
| | - Kyle M. Kampman
- Treatment Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
| | - Helen M. Pettinati
- Treatment Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
| | - Charles A. Dackis
- Treatment Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
| | - Charles P. O’Brien
- Treatment Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
| | - Wade H. Berrettini
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
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Common genetic variations in human brain-specific tryptophan hydroxylase-2 and response to antidepressant treatment. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2008; 18:495-506. [PMID: 18496129 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0b013e3282fb02cb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genetic variability within the serotoninergic system may predict the response to antidepressant drugs. Several polymorphisms in the gene coding for the brain-specific tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) have been associated with susceptibility to psychiatric diseases. In this study, we analyzed the correlation between TPH2 polymorphisms and response to antidepressant drugs. METHODS The study included 182 patients who received drug treatment for major depression. To assess the variability in the TPH2 gene, four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tagging the common TPH2 haplotypes and six SNPs medically relevant according to data from other studies were analyzed in a multiplex single base primer extension reaction. RESULTS Two SNPs, rs10897346 and rs1487278, were significantly associated with response to therapy (P=0.003 and 0.007). The rs10897346 variant showed the highest predictive values with carriers of null C alleles showing a 2.6-fold increased risk (95% confidence interval 1.4-4.8) for nonresponse compared with the others. The effect was found in all major types of antidepressant medications administered in this study and was statistically significant in the subgroup on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Multiple logistic regression analyses confirmed the rs10879346 polymorphism as an independent predictor of the antidepressant response (odds ratio: 3.86; 1.75-8.55, P=0.0008). The therapeutically relevant variant rs10897346 is completely linked with the functional Pro312Pro polymorphism, which is known to affect TPH2 expression and may influence serotonin synthesis in the brain. CONCLUSION The polymorphisms rs10897346 and Pro312Pro in the TPH2 gene might play an important role for TPH2 expression and antidepressant drug response.
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Weller AE, Dahl JP, Lohoff FW, Kampman KM, Oslin DW, Dackis C, Ferraro TN, O'Brien CP, Berrettini WH. No association between polymorphisms in the prostate apoptosis factor-4 gene and cocaine dependence. Psychiatr Genet 2006; 16:193-6. [PMID: 16969273 DOI: 10.1097/01.ypg.0000218618.73257.8d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A number of studies have investigated the genes underlying dopamine, serotonin, and glutamine neurotransmitter systems in order to find a genetic basis for the pathology of cocaine dependence. The gene that encodes the prostate apoptosis factor-4 (Par-4) protein is located in the 12q21 region and has been shown to directly interact with the D2 dopamine receptor and through such interaction is thought to directly affect the activity of D2 receptors. The aim of this study is to investigate whether polymorphisms in the human Par-4 gene contribute to the etiology of cocaine dependence. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we used a case-control design in which the genotype and allele frequencies for five single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human Par-4 gene were compared between cocaine-dependent individuals (n=172) and controls (n=92) of African descent. RESULTS The genotype results failed to detect any associations between polymorphisms in the Par-4 gene and the cocaine-dependent phenotype. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that variations in the human Par-4 gene are unlikely to play a major role in the pathophysiology of cocaine dependence. This study, however, should be repeated in larger cocaine-dependent and control populations to determine that this is indeed the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Weller
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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