Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of genetics related to tobacco addiction. In a recent study involving 898,680 individuals, 461 candidate risk genes for tobacco use disorder were identified, with a significant number of these genes being expressed in the brain.
The study, which utilized artificial intelligence (AI) technology, sheds light on the genetic components underlying tobacco addiction and offers potential new avenues for treatment. By analyzing extensive health data, the research team pinpointed genetic variations that play a role in tobacco addiction, a condition that impacts a staggering 1.3 billion individuals worldwide.
One of the key takeaways from the study is the revelation of 461 new candidate genes associated with tobacco use disorder, emphasizing the strong genetic influence on the condition. Through the use of AI and genome-wide association studies, researchers were able to streamline the identification process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
The research was made possible through the PsycheMERGE Network and drew on data from nearly 900,000 individuals, underscoring the scale and potential impact of genomic research in this area.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine leveraged electronic health records to uncover the new genes linked to tobacco use disorder and also identified numerous potential drug candidates for treating the disease.
According to Sandra Sanchez-Roige, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine, tobacco use disorder poses a significant public health challenge due to the limited understanding of its genetic basis.
With approximately 1.3 billion tobacco users globally, the World Health Organization highlights the widespread impact of tobacco consumption, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The detrimental effects of tobacco extend beyond direct users, with over 8 million deaths attributed to tobacco each year, including 1.3 million deaths of nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke.
While there are known genes associated with nicotine consumption, understanding the transition to tobacco use disorder remains a complex puzzle. Sanchez-Roige emphasizes the need to delve into the genetic factors influencing why some individuals develop an addiction to tobacco while others do not.
