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Updated: Mar 23, 2026

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Published on: February 10, 2012
Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism heritability of nicotine dependence as a multidimensional phenotype
L C Bidwell1, R H C Palmer2, L Brick3
1Institute of Cognitive Science,University of Colorado at Boulder,Boulder, CO,USA.
Common genetic variants significantly influence nicotine dependence (ND) and its related traits. These genetic factors largely overlap across different measures of ND, explaining substantial heritability observed in twin studies.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Psychiatric genetics
- Human genetics
Background:
- Nicotine dependence (ND) heritability estimates from twin studies vary (31-60%) depending on the specific construct.
- Previous research highlights the complex, multi-faceted nature of ND.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the aggregate role of common genetic variants on key ND constructs.
- To investigate the shared genetic influences across different ND measures.
Main Methods:
- Genomic-relationship-matrix restricted maximum likelihood (GREML) analysis was applied to 796,125 polymorphisms from 2,346 lifetime ever smokers.
- Factor models analyzed covariance across DSM-IV ND and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) measures, including withdrawal, tolerance, and smoking heaviness.
Main Results:
- A higher-order factor (NIC DEP) representing ND showed significant additive genetic influence (33%, p = 0.009).
- Shared genetic effects strongly influenced both DSM-IV and FTND factors (r G-SNP = 1.00, p < 0.00001).
- Moderate genetic effects were found for DSM-IV (34%) and FTND (26%) factors.
Conclusions:
- Common single nucleotide polymorphisms account for a substantial portion of the genetic influences on ND phenotypes.
- Genetic contributions to distinct ND scales are predominantly driven by shared genetic factors.
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