A genetic association for cigarette smoking behavior

Dopaminergic genes are likely candidates for heritable influences on cigare tte smoking. In an accompanying article, Lerman et al. (1999) report associ ations between allele 9 of a dopamine transporter gene polymorphism (SLC6A3 -9) and lack of smoking, late initiation of smoking, and length of quitting attempts. The present investigation extended their study by examining both smoking behavior and personality traits in a diverse population of nonsmok ers, current smokers, and former smokers (N = 1,107). A significant associa tion between SLC6A3-9 and smoking status was confirmed and was due to an ef fect on cessation rather than initiation. The SLC6A3-9 polymorphism was als o associated with low scores for novelty seeking, which was the most signif icant personality correlate of smoking cessation. It is hypothesized that i ndividuals carrying the SLC6A3-9 polymorphism have altered dopamine transmi ssion, which reduces their need for novelty and reward by external stimuli, including cigarettes.