Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
08:47
Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration
Published on: February 10, 2012
A DRD2 and ANKK1 haplotype is associated with nicotine dependence
Joanne Voisey1, Christopher Dean Swagell, Ian Paul Hughes
1Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. j.voisey@qut.edu.au
Psychiatry Research
|March 3, 2012
Summary
Genetic variations in the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) influence nicotine dependence. Specific DRD2 C957T and ANKK1 TaqIA gene variants significantly increase susceptibility to nicotine addiction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Nicotine dependence is a complex condition with significant genetic underpinnings.
- The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) system plays a crucial role in reward pathways implicated in addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene polymorphisms and nicotine dependence.
- To determine the contribution of DRD2 C957T and ANKK1 TaqIA variants to genetic susceptibility for nicotine addiction.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 150 smokers and 228 controls for DRD2 C957T, -141delC, and ANKK1 TaqIA polymorphisms.
- Statistical analysis of allele, genotype, haplotype, and combined genotype associations with nicotine dependence.
Main Results:
- The DRD2 C957T and ANKK1 TaqIA polymorphisms showed significant associations with nicotine dependence at multiple levels.
- A specific haplotype (957C/TaqI A1) was strongly linked to nicotine dependence.
- Combined genotypes (DRD2 957 CC and ANKK1 TaqIA A1) significantly increased the likelihood of nicotine dependence, accounting for 13% of susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- The DRD2 C957T and ANKK1 TaqIA polymorphisms are key genetic contributors to nicotine dependence susceptibility.
- These findings highlight the role of the DRD2 pathway in the genetic basis of nicotine addiction.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
01:15Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic
Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by acetylcholine and nicotine. Upon activation, they cause a rapid increase in the permeability of cells to K+, Na+, and Ca2+, followed by depolarization and excitation. They are in the autonomic ganglia, skeletal neuromuscular junction, CNS, and adrenal medulla.
There are two types of nicotinic receptors: neuromuscular (NM/NM/N1) and neuronal (NN/NN/N2). The two families differ based on their location and selectivity to...
There are two types of nicotinic receptors: neuromuscular (NM/NM/N1) and neuronal (NN/NN/N2). The two families differ based on their location and selectivity to...
01:17Drug Dependence
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
01:27CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
02:32Exon Recombination
The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes.
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...