Cannabis Use Disorder (Demontis, 2019)

STUDY TITLE: Genome-wide association study implicates CHRNA2 in cannabis use disorder

SUMMARY: CUD may be linked to a genetic variant in the CHRNA2 gene.

DESCRIPTION: About 1 in 10 users of cannabis become dependent on it and develop cannabis use disorder (CUD). This study examined 51,372 individuals of Danish and Icelandic descent in order to find genetic variants associated with CUD. The strongest association identified was with a variant that decreases the expression of the CHRNA2 gene in the brain. This gene encodes a part of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which is a protein that allows certain molecules to pass into the cell when chemicals nicotine or acetylcholine are bound to it. Variants in the CHRNA2 gene have also been linked to nicotine dependence.

DID YOU KNOW? Currently, the treatment options for CUD are rather limited. However, several types of behavioral therapy seem to work well. There are also ongoing studies that aim to find medications that may help with cannabis addiction. [SOURCE]

SAMPLE RESULTS: Learn more about the Nebula Research Library.

Cannabis use disorder sample results.

CANNABIS USE DISORDER-ASSOCIATED VARIANTS: rs5637281

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Overview of Cannabis Use Disorder
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Acetylcholine

WEEKLY UPDATE: July 23, 2019



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