Genetic basis of drug dependence and comorbid behavioral traits

Soh Agatsuma, Noboru Hiroi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Drug dependence is characterized by symptoms causing uncontrollable use of a drug despite its negative consequences. Dependence occurs only in a small fraction of individuals who try an addictive drug, and there is a large variance in individual susceptibility to dependence. Individuals susceptible to dependence exhibit specific comorbid behavioral traits, such as sensation seeking, novelty seeking, and antisocial personality. Studies using genetically engineered mice have delineated the extent to which various genes contribute to both dependence susceptibility and comorbid behavioral traits. Evidence suggests that the genes for dopamine D4 receptor, phosphodiesterease1B, the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1, 5HT1B receptor, protein kinase C and the transcription factor FosB contribute to both dependence susceptibility and comorbid behavioral traits. However, MAO-B influences a behavioral response to novelty without affecting nicotine dependence susceptibility. The mechanisms by which genes influence dependence susceptibility and comorbid behavioral traits are likely to be complex.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)137-145
Number of pages9
JournalJapanese Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
Volume24
Issue number3
StatePublished - Jun 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antisocial personality
  • Comorbid behavioral traits
  • Dependence susceptibility
  • Drug dependence
  • Novelty seeking
  • Sensation seeking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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