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Introduction This is a collaborative
study between Washington University, St. Louis, the National Drug and Alcohol
Research Centre, University of NSW, Sydney (NDARC), and QIMR. Dr Elliot Nelson of The project is funded by the
U.S National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). Experimental Plan This project expands on the
pilot project (P504) completed in 2002. Opioid dependence has been
long-recognised as a familial disorder. The investigators propose to conduct a
genetic association study of opioid dependence using a case-control design
including analyses incorporating history of childhood abuse as a risk modifying
variable. This research will improve on existing work in the area to identify GxE effects on opioid dependence. Specific Aims AIM 1 - To interview and
collect blood samples from 1500 opioid dependent individuals and 1500 matched
controls. AIM 2 - To identify
polymorphisms and/or mutations in candidate genes to be typed in cases and
controls. AIM 3 - To assess
retrospectively history of childhood abuse to enable its inclusion as a risk
modifying variable. AIM 4 - To analyse genotype
and interview data to test for candidate gene effects on opioid dependence, and
their moderation by history of childhood abuse. The latter analyses will target
genes whose products are known from prior research to be involved in: (i) stress-sensitive mediation of the perceived positive
effects of opioids; (ii) stress-induced opioid
relapse; and (iii) opioid regulation of the stress response. Investigators Principle Investigator –
Elliot Nelson – Washington University Research Assistant – Debra
Hughes - Washington University Co-Principle Investigator –
Prof Nick Martin – QIMR Co-Principle Investigator –
Louise Degenhardt – NDARC Co-Principle Investigator –
Richard Mattick – NDARC Co-Principle Investigator –
William Rawlinson - POW Study Coordinator – Fiona Shand – NDARC (started Mid 2005) Interviewer coordinator –
Elizabeth Conroy – NDARC Lab coordinator – Megan
Campbell – QIMR Phlebotomist – Cherie Kam – NDARC Phlebotomist – Caitlin McCue
– NDARC Research Assistant – Yong
Pan – POW Research Assistant Susanne Booth
– POW (Started April 2005, finished May 2006) |