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Published on: February 10, 2012
Genome-wide meta-analysis reveals common splice site acceptor variant in CHRNA4 associated with nicotine dependence
D B Hancock1, G W Reginsson2, N C Gaddis3
1Behavioral and Urban Health Program, Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice Research Division, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
A genome-wide study found a CHRNA4 gene variant (rs2273500-C) linked to nicotine dependence severity. This variant affects CHRNA4 expression and increases lung cancer risk, primarily through smoking behavior.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pharmacogenomics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Nicotine dependence is a complex trait with significant heritability.
- Genetic factors influencing nicotine dependence severity and related health consequences are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic variants associated with nicotine dependence severity using a genome-wide association study (GWAS).
- To investigate the functional impact of identified variants on gene expression and their association with smoking-related outcomes, including lung cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale GWAS meta-analysis of nicotine dependence in European-ancestry ever-smokers.
- Replication of novel variants in independent cohorts.
- Analysis of variant effects on CHRNA4 gene expression in human brain tissue.
- Association analysis with lung cancer risk, adjusting for smoking status.
Main Results:
- A genome-wide significant association was found for rs2273500-C in the CHRNA4 gene (P=8.0 × 10(-9)).
- This variant, a splice site acceptor, leads to decreased CHRNA4 expression in the brain (P=7.3 × 10(-4)).
- rs2273500-C was associated with increased lung cancer risk (OR=1.06), an association mediated by smoking behavior.
Conclusions:
- A common CHRNA4 variant (rs2273500-C) significantly contributes to nicotine dependence severity.
- This variant possesses regulatory properties affecting CHRNA4 expression and is linked to smoking behavior and lung cancer risk.
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