Cross-species experiments allow investigators to validate both pharmacogenetic and physiogenetic phenotypes. Despite the potential of this approach to yield valuable information for treatment development, few mouse/human comparisons of SNPs have been reported. The derivation of the Oprm1 A112G mouse will allow for such studies to investigate aspects of this SNP that have yet to be delineated in human populations. We know from human studies that the OPRM1 A118G SNP can impact the response to treatment; however, we have learned from studies in mice that this SNP also influences sex-specific drug behaviors, differences that have been largely ignored in human association studies. Moreover, we anticipate that this mouse model may assist in drug design to generate effective analgesics and other opioid therapies without the risk of abuse liability.
