Developmental Pathways of Adolescent Drug Abuse

描述(由申请人提供)：本独立科学家奖(K02)的续期申请旨在支持候选人获得知识和获得必要的技能，以便将遗传学纳入其对青少年药物行为(包括物质使用障碍)的发育途径的研究。更新K02所提供的密集学习时间将包括课程工作、研讨会以及与遗传学和成瘾领域的专家进行咨询。在R01基金的支持下，研究发展计划将加强对当前纵向数据集的分析和对现有预期样本的未来研究的发展。 具体的职业发展目标包括：(1)了解使用最先进的方法收集、储存和进行基因分析的遗传物质；(2)在涉及遗传和环境变量的纵向数据方面发展使用统计技术的专业知识；(3)获得将基因环境分析应用于现有预期数据集的专业知识，以便测试和验证基因环境模型，这些模型为我们了解青少年吸毒行为的发展路径提供信息；以及(4)继续致力于教学服务和负责任的科学行为。 申请者在遗传学方面增强的研究技能将应用于现有的预期纵向样本，以促进对青少年吸毒行为的原因和后果的了解。这些样本代表三组：高危组(n=274)、治疗组(n=393)和匹配对照组(n=190)。所有样本都已经在多个点(4波评估)进行了跟踪，直到他们目前的青壮年状态(平均年龄为22.1岁)，支持R01将包括另外两波评估和DNA收集。研究假设将侧重于遗传影响，以及遗传和非遗传因素对青少年吸毒行为发展路径的过程和模式的相互作用。 与公共卫生相关：通过进一步澄清青少年药物滥用发展途径的性质，可以更好地了解预防和治疗工作。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This renewal application for an independent scientist award (K02) seeks to support the candidate toward gaining knowledge and acquiring necessary skills for incorporating genetics into his investigations on the developmental pathways of youth drug behaviors, including substance use disorders (SUDs). The intensive period of study afforded by the renewal K02 will involve course work, workshops and consultations with experts in the field of genetics and addictions. Supported by a funded R01, the research development plan will enhance the analysis of current longitudinal data sets and the development of future studies of existing prospective samples. Specific career development goals include: (1) gaining an understanding of the use of state-of-the-art methodologies pertaining to collecting, storing and genotyping genetic material for use in genetic analyses; (2) developing expertise in the use of statistical techniques on longitudinal data involving genetic and environmental variables; (3) gaining expertise in applying gene-environment analyses to existing prospective data sets in order to test and validate gene-environment models that inform our understanding of developmental pathways of adolescent drug use behaviors; and (4) continuing a commitment to teaching service and responsible conduct of science. The applicant's enhanced research skills in genetics will be applied to existing prospective longitudinal samples in order to advance knowledge on the causes and consequences of youth drug use behaviors. These samples represent three groups: high-risk (n=274), treatment (n=393), and matched control (n=190). All samples have already been followed at multiple points (4 waves of assessment) up to their current young adult status (average age is 22.1 years), and the supporting R01 will include two more waves of assessment and the collection of DNA. Study hypotheses will focus on genetic influences, and the interplay of genetic and nongenetic factors on the course and pattern of developmental pathways of youth drug use behaviors. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: By further clarifying the nature of developmental pathways of youth drug abuse, prevention and treatment efforts can be better informed.