A tobacco-dependence gene responsible for alcohol dependence

A series of human genome-wide studies have revealed a strong correlation between a chromosomal locus and the risk of developing tobacco dependence. One mutation has been identified in particular (rs16969968, or SNPα5). Studies have investigated whether this mutation is also associated with alcoholism, given the known high comorbidity between tobacco and alcohol addiction. A team from the Institut Pasteur recently observed that rats carrying the SNPα5 mutation have an increased appetite for alcohol.

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