Integrating Genetics and Opioid Overdose Prevention

Integrating Genetics and Opioid Overdose Prevention

Knowles awarded Teaching Fellow Mers Tran a grant to purchase materials for a hands-on lab experience designed to deepen students’ understanding of genetics and the biology of addiction. Mers adapted a curriculum that enhances hands-on learning through authentic research skills. In this lab, students explore the role of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) called rs1800497 in a patient’s risk for opioid dependence, using gel electrophoresis results as evidence. They are prompted to write evidence-based explanations linking their results to the genetic association between SNP rs1800497 and opioid dependence. Success is measured by students’ ability to meet CER rubric standards, with arguments demonstrating relevant evidence and clear reasoning.

The important driving question was whether or not opioid dependence, which is perceived as behavioral-based, has genetic connections, which is out of the patient’s control. This helps combat the assumptions that opioid addiction is something that is fully within someone’s control and something that everyone has an equal playing field in prevention and treatment. This lab gave further context to the broader project arc of student-led Narcan training, where Mers students went out to other high schools to train teens on how to administer Narcan and share their new knowledge of the science of opioids.

Ultimately, students apply their understanding of addiction biology to genetic evidence, enhancing both their lab skills and their ability to communicate scientific findings through written explanations and gel electrophoresis results.