This study identifies neurophysiological differences between common variation in human OPRM1, which may explain altered opioid responsivity and/or dependence in humans. This model not only enables studies that help clarify the mechanistic discrepancies observed in the literature, but also enables a platform to understand human-specific regulation of MOR signaling. Overall the use of patient-derived stem cells to unravel the impact of OPRM1 gene variants may ultimately provide the necessary insight to develop patient-specific, precision medical interventions for drug and alcohol dependence.
