<p>Researchers have confirmed that a previously dismissed genetic mechanism is behind nicotine dependence as well as the withdrawal effects that makes quitting smoking so difficult.</p>
<p>According to the study conducted by researchers from University of Michigan, it was found that a specific genes and microRNA (a class of small RNA molecules that help fine-tune gene expression) plays an essential role in determining how nicotine dependence and withdrawal responses are developed.</p>
<p>Researchers examined the withdrawal responses in millimeter-long roundworms Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which get hooked on nicotine just like humans.</p>
<p>They discovered a series of genes in the roundworms which were involved in a process that ultimately increased the production of the nicotine receptor proteins, with microRNAs playing a pivotal role -- clues that may also carry over to the mammalian realm.![A woman smokes a cigarette in this illustration picture taken in Paris, Oct 8, 2014. Reuters.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWjuu5Cv2XVM5skpke7eGfEoyeJYwNYMQRXTsuPWiveGk/A%20woman%20smokes%20a%20cigarette%20in%20this%20illustration%20picture%20taken%20in%20Paris%2C%20Oct%208%2C%202014.%20Reuters.jpg)</p>