Scientists have shown for the first time that a gene known to be associated with drug and alcohol addiction also plays a role in the outcome of smoking cessation attempts. Scientists at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, wanted to know if there was a genetic difference between people who successfully quit smoking and those who failed. In the past, researchers have compared smokers to non-smokers to identify genetic differences. Knowing how genetics influence smokers could lead to better treatment programs. All carried a specific gene called DRD2, which is a dopamine receptor.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that influences how brain cells communicate with each other.
All were given counseling and a nicotine patch, and were randomly selected to receive an antidepressant drug or a placebo. The DRD2 gene is made up of a pair of alleles. The participants who had the A2 allele had a good response to the antidepressant. DRD2 is the most widely studied dopamine gene, according to Cinciripini. It has been found in people with obesity, alcoholism, cocaine addiction and pathological gambling.