Open AccessGenetic basis of variation in cocaine and methamphetamine consumption in outbred populations of Drosophila melanogaster
Author(s) -
Brandon M. Baker,
Mary Anna Carbone,
Wen Huang,
Robert R. H. Anholt,
Trudy F. C. Mackay
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2104131118
Subject(s) - drosophila melanogaster , methamphetamine , biology , genetic variation , genetics , gene , drosophila (subgenus) , disease , genetic predisposition , genetic architecture , evolutionary biology , medicine , pharmacology , quantitative trait locus , pathology
Significance The use of cocaine and methamphetamine presents significant socioeconomic problems. However, identifying the genetic underpinnings that determine susceptibility to substance use is challenging in human populations. The fruit fly,Drosophila melanogaster , presents a powerful genetic model since we can control the genetic background and environment, 75% of disease-causing genes in humans have a fly counterpart, and flies—like humans—exhibit adverse effects upon cocaine and methamphetamine exposure. We showed that the genetic architecture underlying variation in voluntary cocaine and methamphetamine consumption differs between sexes and is dominated by variants in genes associated with connectivity and function of the nervous system. Results obtained from theDrosophila gene discovery model can guide studies on substance abuse susceptibility in human populations.