Genes and molecular pathways in nicotine dependence and withdrawal

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Despite evidence of strong genetic contributions to the etiology of smoking initiation (SI) and nicotine dependence (ND), we are far from identifying the specific genetic basis of individual susceptibility to ND. This project - to deepen our understanding of how genes contribute to risk for nicotine dependence (ND) - has arisen as an effort to utilize maximally the relatively unique and complementary set of skill of this group of investigators in complex human genetics, animal genetics and nicotine pharmacology. We will validate these putative risk genes using a two-step approach: replication in other human samples and the demonstration in animal models of ND that variants in these genes contribute to neurobiological pathways likely involved in ND. We will first identify promising candidate genes for smoking initiation (SI) and ND by data-mining GWA datasets and the selected candidates will be replicated. Using a mouse model of nicotine withdrawal, we will characterize behavioral QTLs relevant for ND using a recently developed expanded BXD RI mouse strain panel, focusing on strains informative for already identified areas of provisional QTLs. This approach allows us to both validate and refine our mapping of the nicotine behavioral QTL. Furthermore, we will identify candidate genes for ND by combining expression and behavioral genetics analyses in these BXD RI mouse strains. Candidate genes/pathways identified and prioritized from human and mouse studies will be validated by pharmacological or genetic manipulations to alter expression or function of candidate genes in mouse brain and determine effects on behavioral responses to in models of nicotine reward and withdrawal.