expression model) and where peer deviance was low (social distinction model). Our GxE finding between rs16969968 and H.S. peer smoking wherein the effects of the AA genotype on probability of nicotine dependence were most obvious at lower numbers of smoking peers is consistent with Button et al. [16] social distinction model. However, we interpret the GxE identified here as differing environmental effects by genotype given that those with AA genotype are at higher risk regardless of the level of peer smoking while those with high numbers of smoking peers without this risk genotype “catch-up” in probability of nicotine dependence to those with the high risk genotype but have this high probability for different reasons.
