Associations Among GABRG1, Level of Response to Alcohol, and Drinking Behaviors Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Background:  Recent studies of the genetics of alcoholism have focused on a cluster of genes encoding for γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABAA) 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.

publication date

  • August 1, 2009

has restriction

  • green

Date in CU Experts

  • June 16, 2014 9:39 AM

Full Author List

  • Ray LA; Hutchison KE

author count

  • 2

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0145-6008

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1530-0277

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 1382

end page

  • 1390

volume

  • 33

issue

  • 8