Using genetic variation to predict, prevent and treat addiction
Addiction affects millions of Canadians, with often catastrophic consequences. However, there is a large variation in the risk for drug dependence and also in treatment response.
Smoking is a prime example. We know it can lead to early death, is a drain on the health care system and a tough addiction to beat. In 2002 in Canada alone, costs of substance abuse and misuse totalled almost $40 billion—tobacco use accounted for almost half of those costs.
Yet, although smoking levels have stabilized in North America, one-in-five people still smoke, and tobacco use is still projected to kill one billion people during the 21st century. Smoking rates are growing in developing countries and remain inordinately high among people with other health problems, such as depression.
Rachel Tyndale, Canada Research Chair in Pharmacogenomics, is examining how genetic variation helps predict which people are prone to addiction and how well they’ll respond to treatment, as well as how metabolism within the brain alters drug and toxin effects.
Over the past decade, she’s shown how many drug addictions are altered by genetic variation in drug metabolism, including the enzymes which metabolize nicotine, opioids and amphetamines.
By exploring CYP2A6 (the enzyme that metabolizes nicotine) and its genetic variations further, Tyndale will help identify novel mechanisms to help lead to new therapeutic targets and optimize the personalization of treatment for smokers. She has used this as a model for other addictions as well.
Tyndale is also examining different populations, such as people who smoke and have chronic diseases, as well the impact of different related products on smoking, like e-cigarettes. Her research has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions around the world, while cutting down on skyrocketing health care costs, helping smokers trying to quit and minimizing the damage inflicted by other drugs.