Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Combining Laser Capture Microdissection and Microfluidic qPCR to Analyze Transcriptional Profiles of Single Cells: A Systems Biology Approach to Opioid Dependence
09:54

Combining Laser Capture Microdissection and Microfluidic qPCR to Analyze Transcriptional Profiles of Single Cells: A Systems Biology Approach to Opioid Dependence

Published on: March 8, 2020

5.7K

A Population-Based Study of Four Genes Associated with Heroin Addiction in Han Chinese

Yunxiao Li1, Xiaomeng Qiao1, Fangyuan Yin1

  • 1College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Public Health for Forensic Science, Xi'an, PR China.

Plos One
|September 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variants in the deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) gene are linked to heroin addiction. Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DCC may serve as genetic risk factors for this complex disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Addiction Research

Background:

  • The mesolimbic reward system's structure is influenced by genetic variants in FAT3, KTN1, DLG2, and DCC genes.
  • Understanding the genetic underpinnings of heroin addiction is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically analyze functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FAT3, KTN1, DLG2, and DCC genes associated with heroin addiction.
  • To identify specific genetic markers that may confer susceptibility to heroin use disorder.

Main Methods:

  • Genome-wide scanning of functional regions within candidate genes to identify potential SNPs.
  • Genotyping of 20 identified SNPs using the SNaPshot method in a cohort of 1080 individuals (523 cases, 557 controls).
  • Statistical analysis to determine associations between SNPs, haplotypes, and heroin addiction.

Main Results:

  • Three SNPs in the deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) gene (rs16956878, rs12607853, and rs2292043) showed significant association with heroin addiction.
  • The T alleles of rs16956878 and rs12607853 were significantly enriched in heroin addiction cases.
  • A specific haplotype (T-T-T) in DCC was more frequent in cases, while the C-C-C haplotype was less frequent, suggesting a genetic link.

Conclusions:

  • The deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) gene is a potential candidate gene for heroin addiction.
  • SNPs rs16956878, rs12607853, and rs2292043 within the DCC gene may represent genetic risk factors for heroin addiction.
  • These findings provide a foundation for further genetic and biological investigations into heroin addiction mechanisms.

More Related Videos

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods09:29

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods

Published on: August 4, 2022

2.9K
A Procedure to Study the Effect of Prolonged Food Restriction on Heroin Seeking in Abstinent Rats10:35

A Procedure to Study the Effect of Prolonged Food Restriction on Heroin Seeking in Abstinent Rats

Published on: November 11, 2013

11.8K

Related Concept Videos

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs01:05

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
19.4K
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS01:11

Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS

Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
16.4K
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
1.8K
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
63
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants01:27

Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants

The human genome is over 99.9% identical between individuals, yet genetic differences exist at millions of bases. The human genome contains approximately 3 million variant positions per individual, many of which are heterozygous, contributing to genetic diversity and individual traits. Genetic variations include single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, deletions, and copy number variations (CNVs).SNPs, the most common variation, involve single-base changes in DNA. These can be...
72
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
73