Imaging genetics and the neurobiological basis of individual differences in vulnerability to addiction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Addictive disorders are heritable, but the search for candidate functional polymorphisms playing an etiological role in addiction is hindered by complexity of the phenotype and the variety of factors interacting to impact behavior. Advances in human genome sequencing and neuroimaging technology provide an unprecedented opportunity to explore the impact of functional genetic variants on variability in behaviorally relevant neural circuitry. Here, we present a model for merging these technologies to trace the links between genes, brain, and addictive behavior.

Methods

We describe imaging genetics and discuss the utility of its application to addiction. We then review data pertaining to impulsivity and reward circuitry as an example of how genetic variation may lead

SUBMITTER: Sweitzer MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3360987 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature