Ancestry informative genetic variants associated with tobacco metabolic and detoxification capacity measured by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) among smokers - Report - MDSpire

Ancestry informative genetic variants associated with tobacco metabolic and detoxification capacity measured by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) among smokers

  • By

  • Oladimeji Lanade

  • Zhongxuan He

  • Yan Zhou

  • Elizabeth Blackman

  • Denise Gibbs

  • Sharon Harrison

  • Karthik Devarajan

  • Mark Andrake

  • Roland L. Dunbrack

  • Gerald Nkogbu

  • Aditi Wagh

  • Michael Slifker

  • Cherie Erkmen

  • Freda Patterson

  • Aditi Satti

  • Heather-Dawn Lawson-Myers

  • Robin Roberts

  • Don Mitchell

  • Jeffery C. Liu

  • Joel Erblich

  • Camille Ragin

  • July 14, 2026

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Genetic Variants Informing Ancestry Linked to Tobacco Metabolism

Overview

This study investigates the association between genetic ancestry and tobacco metabolism, specifically focusing on NNAL levels in smokers.

Background

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of cancer mortality globally, accounting for a significant percentage of cancer deaths. This research aims to elucidate the role of genetic ancestry in tobacco-related cancer risk, particularly lung cancer and head and neck cancers.

Data Highlights

No numerical or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Higher incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer are observed in non-Hispanic Black males compared to non-Hispanic White males.
  • Genetic polymorphisms in enzymes involved in tobacco metabolism may contribute to individual variations in susceptibility to tobacco carcinogenesis.
  • Previous studies indicate that White Americans may have higher metabolic efficiency of NNAL compared to Black Americans.
  • Differences in tobacco-related cancer incidence may be linked to genetic ancestry factors affecting metabolism of carcinogens.
  • Urinary NNAL levels can be influenced by genetic variants in Phase I and II metabolism genes.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the role of genetic ancestry when assessing cancer risk in smokers, particularly in diverse populations. Understanding individual metabolic capacities for tobacco carcinogens may inform personalized approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to explore the associations between genetic ancestry and tobacco metabolism.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Islami et al., 2024 -- Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019
  2. National Cancer Institute, 2021 -- Cancer Statistics
  3. Muscat et al., 2005 -- Racial differences in tobacco carcinogen metabolism
  4. Archives of Toxicology — Analysis of Specific Analyte Levels in Emissions from "Heat Not Burn" Tobacco Products Relevant to Human Health Risk Assessment
  5. Blood Cancer Journal — Exploring Modifiable Risk Factors for Clonal Haematopoiesis Development Through Mendelian Randomisation
  6. Archives of Toxicology — Evaluation of Flavorings and Ingredients in Oral Nicotine Pouches: A Preliminary Toxicological Study
  7. Archives of Toxicology — Comparison of Duplex Sequencing and Transgenic Rodent Mutation Assay Results for Evaluating In Vivo Mutagenesis Induced by NDMA
  8. FDA Focus Area: Biomarkers
  9. Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019 - PubMed
  10. Fine-mapping the CYP2A6 regional association with nicotine metabolism among African American smokers | Molecular Psychiatry

Original Source(s)

Ancestry informative genetic variants associated with tobacco metabolic and detoxification capacity measured by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) among smokers

  • by Oladimeji Lanade, Zhongxuan He, Yan Zhou, Elizabeth Blackman, Denise Gibbs, Sharon Harrison, Karthik Devarajan, Mark Andrake, Roland L. Dunbrack, Gerald Nkogbu, Aditi Wagh, Michael Slifker, Cherie Erkmen, Freda Patterson, Aditi Satti, Heather-Dawn Lawson-Myers, Robin Roberts, Don Mitchell, Jeffery C. Liu, Joel Erblich, Camille Ragin

  • July 14, 2026

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