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Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
Systematic review of Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase evidence for pharmacogenomic links to the dopamine reward pathway
Maggie L McCorkle1, David F Kisor2, Caroline E Freiermuth3,4
1The Ohio Attorney General's Office, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.
Abstract:
Genetics play an important role in opioid use disorder (OUD); however, few specific gene variants have been identified. Therefore, there is a need to further understand the pharmacogenomics influences on the pharmacodynamics of opioids. The Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), a database that links genetic variation and drug interaction in the body, was queried to identify polymorphisms associated with heroin dependence in the context of opioid related disorders/OUD. Eight genes with 22 variants were identified as linked to increased risk of heroin dependence, with three genes and variants linked to decreased risk, although the level of evidence was moderate to low. Therefore, continued exploration of biomarker influences on OUD, reward pathways and other contributing circuitries is necessary to understand the true impact of genetics on OUD before integration into clinical guidelines.
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