SRI International Establishes New Program in Molecular Genetics

Genomic Technologies Identify Susceptibility to Nicotine Addiction

MENLO PARK, Calif. – January 25, 2006 – SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development organization, today announced that researchers in its new Molecular Genetics Program are characterizing gene-gene and gene-environment interactions that may provide clues for predisposition to tobacco dependence, response to treatment for nicotine addiction, and susceptibility for certain cancers. Genetic study designs for the program include twin-based, family-centered and case-control approaches.

In related news, SRI today announced a new grant from the NIH to study the pharmacogenetics of nicotine addiction and treatment.

An estimated 47 million people currently smoke in the U.S., and an estimated one billion people smoke worldwide. To increase effectiveness of smoking cessation treatments, SRI researchers are exploring molecular mechanisms associated with variations in nicotine use, accumulation of tobacco toxins in the body, the role of brain "reward" circuits (pathways that relate pleasurable experiences), and ethnic and gender-mediated differences. Another goal is to contribute to pharmacogenetic knowledge databases used by the research community.   Pharmacogenetics is the study of genetic influence on drug therapies.

"Exploring ethnic differences in nicotine metabolism genes in Caucasians, African-Americans and Chinese-Americans can help to assess elevated risk of certain cancers," said Huijun Ring, Ph.D., director of SRI's Molecular Genetics Program.

"By investigating the genetic basis of nicotine dependence, we hope to speed up the search for effective treatments to help people stop smoking," added Gary Swan, Ph.D., director of SRI's Center for Health Sciences. 

These activities are part of SRI's Center for Research on Nicotine Addiction, a collaboration involving experts from behavioral science, molecular genetics, medicinal chemistry, neuroscience and pharmacology. Current Center projects represent the health interests of federal, state, and corporate sponsors, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Cancer Institute and the University of California Tobacco Related Disease Research Program.

About SRI's Center for Health Sciences

Serving government and commercial clients in the health arena, SRI's Center for Health Sciences uses a multidisciplinary research approach to address complex challenges that arise at the interface of the basic sciences, clinical medicine, health care economics, and the regulatory and legal environments.

About SRI International
Silicon Valley-based SRI International (www.sri.com) is one of the world's leading independent research and technology development organizations. Founded as Stanford Research institute in 1946, SRI has been meeting the strategic needs of clients for 60 years. The nonprofit research institute performs contract research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses and private foundations. In addition to conducting contract R&D, SRI licenses its technologies, forms strategic partnerships and creates spin-off companies.