Genetic basis of variation in cocaine and methamphetamine consumption in outbred populations of <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>
Brandon M. Baker, Mary Anna Carbone, Wen Huang, Robert R. H. Anholt, Trudy F. C. Mackay
Abstract
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 the Drosophila gene discovery model can guide studies on substance abuse susceptibility in human populations.