DNA Study Finds Pair of Proteins Involved in Nicotine Addiction

DNA Study Finds Pair of Proteins Involved in Nicotine Addiction
February 5, 2008

Research Summary

Researchers who studied the DNA of thousands of smokers found that two gene variants were linked to nicotine addiction, UPI reported Jan. 30.

The two-part study looked for genetic variations that might predict heavy smoking. The researchers found that variants of the alpha 3 and alpha 5 nicotine-receptor subunit gene appeared to increase the risk of nicotine addiction.

The findings could be useful in developing new smoking-cessation medications, researchers said.

The study was published in the online edition of the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

This article summarizes an external report or press release on research published in a scientific journal. When available, links to the sources are provided above.

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