Associations Among GABRG1, Level of Response to Alcohol, and Drinking Behaviors

Authors: Ray, Lara A.; Hutchison, Kent E.

Source: Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research, Volume 33, Number 8, August 2009 , pp. 1382-1390(9)

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Abstract:

Background:

Recent studies of the genetics of alcoholism have focused on a cluster of genes encoding for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) receptor subunits, which is thought to play a role in the expression of addiction phenotypes. This study examined allelic associations between 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GABRG1 gene (rs1391166 and rs1497571) and alcohol phenotypes, namely level of response to alcohol, alcohol use patterns, and alcohol-related problems. Method:

Participants were non-treatment-seeking seeking hazardous drinkers (n = 124) who provided DNA samples, participated in a face-to-face interview for level of response to alcohol, and completed a series of drinking and individual differences measures. Results:

Analyses revealed that a SNP of the GABRG1 gene (rs1497571) was associated with level of response to alcohol and drinking patterns in this subclinical sample. Follow-up mediational analyses were also conducted to examine putative mechanisms underlying these associations. Discussion:

These findings replicate and extend recent research suggesting that genetic variation at the GABRG1 locus may underlie the expression of alcohol phenotypes, including level of response to alcohol.

Keywords: GABRG1; Level of Response; Alcohol; Alcohol Dependence; Genetics

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.00968.x

Publication date: 2009-08-01