Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
Dopaminergic pathway polymorphisms and heroin addiction: further support for association of CSNK1E variants
Orna Levran1, Einat Peles, Matthew Randesi
1The Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
Background & Aim:
The dopaminergic pathways have been implicated in the etiology of drug addictions. The aim of this study was to determine if variants in dopaminergic genes are associated with heroin addiction.
Materials & Methods:
The study includes 828 former heroin addicts and 232 healthy controls, of predominantly European ancestry. Ninety seven SNPs (13 genes) were analyzed.
Results:
Nine nominally significant associations were observed at CSNK1E, ANKK1, DRD2 and DRD3.
Conclusion:
The results support our previous report of association of CSNK1E SNP rs1534891 with protection from heroin addiction. CSNK1E interacts with circadian rhythms and DARPP-32 and has been implicated in negative regulation of sensitivity to opioids in rodents. It may be a target for drug addiction treatment. Original submitted 8 August 2014; Revision submitted 8 October 2014.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...

