Study: Gene variations linked to nicotine addiction

By Staff Writer

German researchers recently identified specific neural activity that could explain why a person becomes dependent on nicotine.

The findings, which appear in the journal Neuron, reveal that alterations in a specific gene cluster can increase a person's sensitivity to the harmful chemical used by millions of Americans. They determined that the variations occur in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is encoded by three genes.

By examining the brain activity in African clawed frogs and transgenic mice, researchers found that a mutation in the gene called alpha5 is tied to an increased dependence on nicotine. In addition, high levels of the beta4 gene also contributes to smoking addictions.

According to the study's authors, balanced activity in these two genes can reduce nicotine dependence.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which was conducted in 2009, revealed that nearly 20 percent of high school students reported that they had smoked cigarettes within 30 days before taking the survey.

Teenagers who smoke may benefit from summer camps for kids, which are designed to help adolescents adopt healthier lifestyle habits.