French researchers have analyzed the role of gene mutations in cocaine addiction.
A quarter of overdose deaths in France are linked to cocaine. Addiction to this drug is considered by scientists to be a chronic disease, with a high risk of relapse. Researchers from the Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Inserm and AP-HP have taken an interest in its genetic manifestations. They find that two gene mutations are associated with addiction. Their results were published in the journal Progress in Neurobiology.
Researchers from the@Pastor Institutefrom @CNRSof the’@Inserm and of the@APHP showed that two gene mutations play a role in different aspects of drug addiction. #cocaine.https://t.co/3GuLzLZUds
— INSTITUTE PASTEUR (@institutpasteur) September 23, 2020
A link with nicotinic receptors
Previous genetic studies have shown that cocaine acts on nicotinic receptors found in the brain. These react to a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Nicotine replaces the action of this neurotransmitter on the receptors. A mutation in the gene encoding the α5 subunit of nicotinic receptors, called α5SNP, increases the risk of nicotine addiction, but it would also protect against cocaine addiction. The French research team tested this hypothesis and also analyzed the role of the α5 nicotinic subunit in the effects of cocaine.
Two gene mutations
Initially, the study was carried out on animals, then the results obtained were verified with human participants. The trial conducted on 350 cocaine-dependent patients confirmed them: “Carriers of this mutation have a slower transition from the first dose to the appearance of signs of dependence”. According to the researchers’ conclusions, this gene mutation acts mainly in the early phase of the addiction cycle and protects addiction carriers. “The α5SNP mutation reduces the acquisition of voluntary cocaine-taking behavior during first exposures”they explain in a communicated. They also found that the complete absence of the α5 nicotinic subunit increases the risk of relapse after withdrawal, and that the presence of another mutation, called β4, increases the risk of rapid relapse after withdrawal.
Recreate the mutation to treat addiction
Scientists estimate that 37% of the European population are carriers of this genetic mutation. They hope to use these results to develop a treatment that acts on nicotinic receptors to treat cocaine addiction.
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