a control group. Altered gene expression was also found in three groups of drinkers who either were dependent on alcohol, heavy drinkers, or moderate drinkers.
Conclusions from microarray-based gene expression studies typically contain many genes, which are difficult to apply in the clinic.
What separates this study from others is that it drilled down to find a very small set of genes, which can reliably predict who is likely to become addicted to heroin. The four genes that researchers identified bolsters the theory that a small set of gene transcripts can serve as genetic signatures for addiction to heroin.
One of the biggest limitations of the study was that the genes were measured in lymphoblastoid cell lines, which is an arduous and long process. A more practical approach in the clinic would be to identify gene signatures from peripheral blood cells.
Researchers concluded that the results of the study suggest the feasibility of classifying the diagnosis of heroin addiction with accuracy from the detection of a small set of genetic signatures from peripheral tissues.
The approach that researchers took in this study could facilitate the search for genetic markers and biomarkers of heroin addiction, and promote additional translational research in clinical settings.
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
