Introduction
Background:
This is a multi-site, collaborative project involving QIMR, Washington
University and the University
of Helsinki. Data will be collected
at both the Australian and Finnish sites.
Rationale:
Despite the public health significance of smoking, and evidence from adult
twin studies for a strong genetic influence on smoking behaviour
(heritability estimates as high as 70%), there has been little research
designed specifically to identify genes that contribute to risk of addiction
to nicotine in humans. The aim of this project is to identify specific
chromosomal locations that have at least a moderate effect on risk. This will
be done by collecting phenotypic (diagnostic) information from twins,
siblings, partners and parents using a structured interview and self-report
questionnaire. A blood sample will be obtained from all participants.
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