In this paper, we explore how genetics studies in mice can be integrated with genetic studies in humans to improve our understanding of the genetics of substance abuse. The field of human genetics has recently focused much of its attention on genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which have provided a powerful tool for identifying genes that influence traits, including several related to substance abuse. While GWAS is not without problems and limitations (Manolio et al. 2009), not the least of which is the requirement for very large sample sizes, they have allowed for great progress without input from animal models. On the horizon are the studies that use next-generation sequencing technologies to identify rare but highly penetrant alleles. In the face of this robust progress, some have questioned whether animal models continue to be relevant for understanding the genetics of substance use disorders.
