Linkage analysis followed by association show NRG1 associated with cannabis dependence in African Americans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A genetic contribution to cannabis dependence (CaD) has been established but susceptibility genes for CaD remain largely unknown.

Methods

We employed a multistage design to identify genetic variants underlying CaD. We first performed a genome-wide linkage scan for CaD in 384 African American (AA) and 354 European American families ascertained for genetic studies of cocaine and opioid dependence. We then conducted association analysis under the linkage peak, first using data from a genome-wide association study from the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment, followed by replication studies of prioritized single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in independent samples.

Results

We identified the strongest linkage evidence with CaD (logarithm of odds = 2.9

SUBMITTER: Han S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3699339 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature