Prospects for finding the mechanisms of sex differences in addiction with human and model organism genetic analysis. (11th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Datta, Udita; Schoenrock, Sarah E.; Bubier, Jason A.; Bogue, Molly A.; Jentsch, James D.; Logan, Ryan W.; Tarantino, Lisa M.; Chesler, Elissa J.
• Is Part Of: Genes, brain, and behavior. Volume 19:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-02-11
• Subjects: addiction -- addiction predictive -- animal models -- behavior -- genetics -- genomics -- heritability -- neurobiological -- sex differences -- substance use disorder; Behavior genetics -- Periodicals; Neurogenetics -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12645
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1601-1848

Abstract

Abstract: Despite substantial evidence for sex differences in addiction epidemiology, addiction‐relevant behaviors and associated neurobiological phenomena, the mechanisms and implications of these differences remain unknown. Genetic analysis in model organism is a potentially powerful and effective means of discovering the mechanisms that underlie sex differences in addiction. Human genetic studies are beginning to show precise risk variants that influence the mechanisms of addiction but typically lack sufficient power or neurobiological mechanistic access, particularly for the discovery of the mechanisms that underlie sex differences. Our thesis in this review is that genetic variation in model organisms are a promising approach that can complement these investigations to show the biological mechanisms that underlie sex differences in addiction. Abstract : Sex differences in addiction are well documented in prevalence, trajectory and treatment outcomes. Human genetic studies require tremendous sample sizes to identify the biological basis of these effects. Control over environmental influences and drug exposure combined with the ease of neuro chemical and neuro anatomical access make model organisms especially suited to reveal the mechanisms underlying sex differences in addiction.