Gene Linked to Increased Risk for Alcoholism

Researchers have found that individuals who inherit the GABRG3 gene may have an increased risk of becoming alcoholics.

The GABRG3 gene is one of three genes on chromosome 15 that are related to the receptor for gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA, which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system, is involved in many of the neurochemical pathways that affect alcohol use, abuse, and dependence.

Investigators at Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO, USA) and Indiana University School of Medicine (Indianapolis, USA) analyzed SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in DNA specimens from 2,282 individuals from 262 families. They found that of the three GABA receptor genes on chromosome 15 (GABRA5, GABRB3, and GABRG3), only GABRG3 was associated with alcohol dependence. Their findings were reported in the January 2004 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

First author Dr. Danielle M. Dick, assistant professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine explained, "Because GABA receptor genes were likely candidates and previous studies had linked this area on chromosome 15 to alcoholism, we zeroed in on three GABA receptor genes but only found significant association with one of them. One reason it is so difficult to find genes involved in psychiatric disorders is that there is interplay between genetic and environmental factors. A person can carry all kinds of genes that predispose them to alcohol dependence, but if they never take a drink, they will not become an alcoholic.”




Related Links:
Indiana University School of Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine