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Zhou H, Gelernter J. Human genetics and epigenetics of alcohol use disorder. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172885. [PMID: 39145449 PMCID: PMC11324314 DOI: 10.1172/jci172885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prominent contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Its complex etiology involves genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors. We review progress in understanding the genetics and epigenetics of AUD, summarizing the key findings. Advancements in technology over the decades have elevated research from early candidate gene studies to present-day genome-wide scans, unveiling numerous genetic and epigenetic risk factors for AUD. The latest GWAS on more than one million participants identified more than 100 genetic variants, and the largest epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) in blood and brain samples have revealed tissue-specific epigenetic changes. Downstream analyses revealed enriched pathways, genetic correlations with other traits, transcriptome-wide association in brain tissues, and drug-gene interactions for AUD. We also discuss limitations and future directions, including increasing the power of GWAS and EWAS studies as well as expanding the diversity of populations included in these analyses. Larger samples, novel technologies, and analytic approaches are essential; these include whole-genome sequencing, multiomics, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, deep-learning prediction of variant function, and integrated methods for disease risk prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science
- Center for Brain and Mind Health
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Genetics, and
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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2
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Uusi-Oukari M, Korpi ER. GABAergic mechanisms in alcohol dependence. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 175:75-123. [PMID: 38555121 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The target of alcohol's effect on the central nervous system has been sought for more than 50 years in the brain's GABA system. The behavioral and emotional effects of alcohol in humans and rodents are very similar to those of barbiturates and benzodiazepines, and GABAA receptors have been shown to be one of the sites of alcohol action. The mechanisms of GABAergic inhibition have been a hotspot of research but have turned out to be complex and controversial. Genetics support the involvement of some GABAA receptor subunits in the development of alcohol dependence and in alcohol use disorders (AUD). Since the effect of alcohol on the GABAA system resembles that of a GABAergic positive modulator, it may be possible to develop GABAergic drug treatments that could substitute for alcohol. The adaptation mechanisms of the GABA system and the plasticity of the brain are a big challenge for drug development: the drugs that act on GABAA receptors developed so far also may cause adaptation and development of additional addiction. Human polymorphisms should be studied further to get insight about how they affect receptor function, expression or other factors to make reasonable predictions/hypotheses about what non-addictive interventions would help in alcohol dependence and AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Uusi-Oukari
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Esa R Korpi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Gatta E, Camussi D, Auta J, Guidotti A, Pandey SC. Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone) and alcohol use disorder: From mechanisms to potential pharmacotherapy. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108299. [PMID: 36323379 PMCID: PMC9810076 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a multifaceted relapsing disorder that is commonly comorbid with psychiatric disorders, including anxiety. Alcohol exposure produces a plethora of effects on neurobiology. Currently, therapeutic strategies are limited, and only a few treatments - disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone - are available. Given the complexity of this disorder, there is a great need for the identification of novel targets to develop new pharmacotherapy. The GABAergic system, the primary inhibitory system in the brain, is one of the well-known targets for alcohol and is responsible for the anxiolytic effects of alcohol. Interestingly, GABAergic neurotransmission is fine-tuned by neuroactive steroids that exert a regulatory role on several endocrine systems involved in neuropsychiatric disorders including AUD. Mounting evidence indicates that alcohol alters the biosynthesis of neurosteroids, whereas acute alcohol increases and chronic alcohol decreases allopregnanolone levels. Our recent work highlighted that chronic alcohol-induced changes in neurosteroid levels are mediated by epigenetic modifications, e.g., DNA methylation, affecting key enzymes involved in neurosteroid biosynthesis. These changes were associated with changes in GABAA receptor subunit expression, suggesting an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in AUD. This review will recapitulate the role of neurosteroids in the regulation of the neuroendocrine system, highlight their role in the observed allostatic load in AUD, and develop a framework from mechanisms to potential pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Gatta
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
| | - Diletta Camussi
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
| | - James Auta
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Time-varying Effects of GABRG1 and Maladaptive Peer Behavior on Externalizing Behavior from Childhood to Adulthood: Testing Gene × Environment × Development Effects. J Youth Adolesc 2019; 49:1351-1364. [PMID: 31786770 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-019-01171-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Engagement in externalizing behavior is problematic. Deviant peer affiliation increases risk for externalizing behavior. Yet, peer effects vary across individuals and may differ across genes. This study determines gene × environment × development interactions as they apply to externalizing behavior from childhood to adulthood. A sample (n = 687; 68% male, 90% White) of youth from the Michigan Longitudinal Study was assessed from ages 10 to 25. Interactions between γ-amino butyric acid type A receptor γ1 subunit (GABRG1; rs7683876, rs13120165) and maladaptive peer behavior on externalizing behavior were examined using time-varying effect modeling. The findings indicate a sequential risk gradient in the influence of maladaptive peer behavior on externalizing behavior depending on the number of G alleles during childhood through adulthood. Individuals with the GG genotype are most vulnerable to maladaptive peer influences, which results in greater externalizing behavior during late childhood through early adulthood.
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Rhinehart EM, Nentwig TB, Wilson DE, Leonard KT, Chaney BN, Grisel JE. Sex and β-Endorphin Influence the Effects of Ethanol on Limbic Gabra2 Expression in a Mouse Binge Drinking Model. Front Genet 2018; 9:567. [PMID: 30555510 PMCID: PMC6281685 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Binge drinking is a widespread problem linked to increased risk for alcohol-related complications, including development of alcohol use disorders. In the last decade, binge drinking has increased significantly, specifically in women. Clinically, sexually dimorphic effects of alcohol are well-characterized, however, the underlying mechanisms for these dimorphisms in the physiological and behavioral effects of alcohol are poorly understood. Among its many effects, alcohol consumption reduces anxiety via the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, most likely acting upon receptors containing the α-2 subunit (Gabra2). Previous research from our laboratory indicates that female mice lacking the endogenous opioid peptide β-endorphin (βE) have an overactive stress axis and enhanced anxiety-like phenotype, coupled with increased binge-like alcohol consumption. Because βE works via GABA signaling to reduce anxiety, we sought to determine whether sexually dimorphic binge drinking behavior in βE deficient mice is coupled with differences in CNS Gabra2 expression. To test this hypothesis, we used βE knock-out mice in a "drinking in the dark" model where adult male and female C57BL/6J controls (βE +/+) and βE deficient (βE -/-; B6.129S2-Pomctm1Low/J) mice were provided with one bottle of 20% ethanol (EtOH) and one of water (EtOH drinkers) or two bottles of water (water drinkers) 3 h into the dark cycle for four consecutive days. Following a binge test on day 4, limbic tissue was collected and frozen for subsequent qRT-PCR analysis of Gabra2 mRNA expression. Water-drinking βE +/+ females expressed more Gabra2 in central nucleus of the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis than males, but this sex difference was absent in the βE -/- mice. Genotype alone had no effect on alcohol consumption or drug-induced increase in Gabra2 expression. In contrast, βE expression had bi-directional effects in females: in wildtypes, Gabra2 mRNA was reduced by binge EtOH consumption, while EtOH increased expression in βE -/- females to levels commensurate with drug-naïve βE +/+ females. These results support the contention that βE plays a role in sexually dimorphic binge-like EtOH consumption, perhaps through differential expression of GABAA α2 subunits in limbic structures known to play key roles in the regulation of stress and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Rhinehart
- Department of Biology, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, United States
| | - Todd B Nentwig
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, United States
| | - Diane E Wilson
- Department of Biology, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, United States
| | - Kiarah T Leonard
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, United States
| | - Bernie N Chaney
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, United States
| | - Judith E Grisel
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, United States
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Prytkova I, Goate A, Hart RP, Slesinger PA. Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorder: A Role for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells? Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:1572-1590. [PMID: 29897633 PMCID: PMC6120805 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects millions of people and costs nearly 250 billion dollars annually. Few effective FDA-approved treatments exist, and more are needed. AUDs have a strong heritability, but only a few genes have been identified with a large effect size on disease phenotype. Genomewide association studies (GWASs) have identified common variants with low effect sizes, most of which are in noncoding regions of the genome. Animal models frequently fail to recapitulate key molecular features of neuropsychiatric disease due to the polygenic nature of the disease, partial conservation of coding regions, and significant disparity in noncoding regions. By contrast, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from patients provide a powerful platform for evaluating genes identified by GWAS and modeling complex interactions in the human genome. hiPSCs can be differentiated into a wide variety of human cells, including neurons, glia, and hepatic cells, which are compatible with numerous functional assays and genome editing techniques. In this review, we focus on current applications and future directions of patient hiPSC-derived central nervous system cells for modeling AUDs in addition to highlighting successful applications of hiPSCs in polygenic neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iya Prytkova
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Alison Goate
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ronald P. Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway NJ 08854, USA
| | - Paul A. Slesinger
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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Koulentaki M, Kouroumalis E. GABA A receptor polymorphisms in alcohol use disorder in the GWAS era. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1845-1865. [PMID: 29721579 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4918-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing, neuro-psychiatric illness of high prevalence and with a serious public health impact worldwide. It is complex and polygenic, with a heritability of about 50%, and influenced by environmental causal heterogeneity. Risk factors associated with its etiology have a genetic component. GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in mammalian brain. GABAA receptors are believed to mediate some of the physiological and behavioral actions of alcohol. In this critical review, relevant genetic terms and type and methodology of the genetic studies are briefly explained. Postulated candidate genes that encode subunits of GABAA receptors, with all the reported SNPs, are presented. Genetic studies and meta-analyses examining polymorphisms of the GABAA receptor and their association with AUD predisposition are presented. The data are critically examined with reference to recent GWAS studies that failed to show relations between GABAA receptors and AUD. Restrictions and perspectives of the different findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairi Koulentaki
- Alcohology Research Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, 71500, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, 71500, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elias Kouroumalis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, 71500, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Orenstein N, Goldberg-Stern H, Straussberg R, Bazak L, Weisz Hubshman M, Kropach N, Gilad O, Scheuerman O, Dory Y, Kraus D, Tzur S, Magal N, Kilim Y, Shkalim Zemer V, Basel-Salmon L. A de novo GABRA2 missense mutation in severe early-onset epileptic encephalopathy with a choreiform movement disorder. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2018; 22:516-524. [PMID: 29422393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) is a severe convulsive disorder with a poor developmental prognosis. Although it has been associated with mutations in a number of genes, the fact that there is a large proportion of patients who remain undiagnosed suggests that there are many more still-unknown genetic causes of EOEE. Achieving a genetic diagnosis is important for understanding the biological basis of the disease, with its implications for treatment and family planning. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed in a family of Ashkenazi Jewish origin in which a male infant was diagnosed with EOEE. There was no family history of a similar neurologic disease. The patient had extreme hypotonia, neonatal hypothermia, choreiform movements, and vision impairment in addition to the convulsive disorder. RESULTS A de novo heterozygous missense mutation, c.1003A > C, p.Asn335His, was identified in a conserved domain of GABRA2. GABRA2 encodes the α2 subunit of the GABAA receptor. CONCLUSIONS In the context of previous reports of an association of de novo mutations in genes encoding different subunits of the GABAA receptor (GABRB1, GABRA1, GABRG2, GABRB3) with autosomal dominant epileptic disorders, we conclude that a de novo mutation in GABRA2 is likely to cause autosomal dominant EOEE accompanied by a movement disorder and vision impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naama Orenstein
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Hadassa Goldberg-Stern
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Pediatric Epilepsy Unit, Neurological Institute, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Rachel Straussberg
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Neurogenetic Service, Neurological Institute, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Lily Bazak
- Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Science, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
| | - Monika Weisz Hubshman
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
| | - Nesia Kropach
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Oded Gilad
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Oded Scheuerman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Department of Pediatrics B, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Yahav Dory
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Dror Kraus
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Pediatric Epilepsy Unit, Neurological Institute, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Shay Tzur
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Science, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel; Genomic Research Department, Emedgene Technologies, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Nurit Magal
- Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
| | - Yael Kilim
- Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
| | - Vered Shkalim Zemer
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Department of Hematology-Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel.
| | - Lina Basel-Salmon
- Pediatric Genetics Clinic, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel.
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Yang BZ, Arias A, Feinn R, Krystal JH, Gelernter J, Petrakis I. GRIK1 and GABRA2 Variants Have Distinct Effects on the Dose-Related Subjective Response to Intravenous Alcohol in Healthy Social Drinkers. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2017; 41:2025-2032. [PMID: 29131352 PMCID: PMC5764175 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The heritable risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is expressed partly through alterations in subjective alcohol response. In this study, we investigated the effects of 2 AUD-risk-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms, GABRA2 rs279858 and GRIK1 rs2832407, on the subjective response to alcohol administered intravenously to healthy social drinkers in a laboratory setting. METHODS In total, 93 self-identified European American social drinkers underwent 3 blinded laboratory sessions in which they received intravenous infusions of ethanol at 3 target blood alcohol levels (0.00 mg%, 40 mg%, and 100 mg%) using a "clamp" procedure. The self-reported Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) stimulation and sedation subscales were the primary outcome measures. We examined the effects of these 2 genetic variants on subjective response to alcohol. RESULTS For the BAES stimulation subscale scores, adjusting for age, baseline scores, and time effects, individuals with 2 copies of the GABRA2 rs279858 C "risk" allele for AUD exhibited the greatest stimulant responses to high-dose alcohol compared to the other risk allele counts (dose-by-allele count interaction effect, p = 0.001, post hoc contrast for C-allele, p = 0.012). For the BAES sedation subscale scores, adjusting for the same covariates, we detected a dose-by-allele count interaction effect (p = 0.0044) such that subjects with 2 copies of the GRIK1 C "risk" allele reported the greatest sedative response to the higher alcohol dose. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that gene variants contributing to the risk for AUD may alter features of the alcohol dose-response relationship in specific ways. GABRA2 rs279858*C enhances stimulant responses to higher levels of alcohol, while the GRIK1 rs2832407*C-allele increases sedative responses. In summary, GRIK1 and GABRA2 variants have distinct effects on the dose-related subjective response to intravenous alcohol in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Zhu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of MedicineNew Haven, CT
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Alcohol Research Center VA Connecticut Healthcare System (116-A) 950 Campbell Ave West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Albert Arias
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of MedicineNew Haven, CT
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Alcohol Research Center VA Connecticut Healthcare System (116-A) 950 Campbell Ave West Haven, CT 06516
| | | | - John H. Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of MedicineNew Haven, CT
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Alcohol Research Center VA Connecticut Healthcare System (116-A) 950 Campbell Ave West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of MedicineNew Haven, CT
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Alcohol Research Center VA Connecticut Healthcare System (116-A) 950 Campbell Ave West Haven, CT 06516
- Departments of Genetics and Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Ismene Petrakis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of MedicineNew Haven, CT
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Alcohol Research Center VA Connecticut Healthcare System (116-A) 950 Campbell Ave West Haven, CT 06516
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10
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Meyers JL, Zhang J, Wang JC, Su J, Kuo SI, Kapoor M, Wetherill L, Bertelsen S, Lai D, Salvatore JE, Kamarajan C, Chorlian D, Agrawal A, Almasy L, Bauer L, Bucholz KK, Chan G, Hesselbrock V, Koganti L, Kramer J, Kuperman S, Manz N, Pandey A, Seay M, Scott D, Taylor RE, Dick DM, Edenberg HJ, Goate A, Foroud T, Porjesz B. An endophenotype approach to the genetics of alcohol dependence: a genome wide association study of fast beta EEG in families of African ancestry. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1767-1775. [PMID: 28070124 PMCID: PMC5503794 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Fast beta (20-28 Hz) electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillatory activity may be a useful endophenotype for studying the genetics of disorders characterized by neural hyperexcitability, including substance use disorders (SUDs). However, the genetic underpinnings of fast beta EEG have not previously been studied in a population of African-American ancestry (AA). In a sample of 2382 AA individuals from 482 families drawn from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA), we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on resting-state fast beta EEG power. To further characterize our genetic findings, we examined the functional and clinical/behavioral significance of GWAS variants. Ten correlated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (r2>0.9) located in an intergenic region on chromosome 3q26 were associated with fast beta EEG power at P<5 × 10-8. The most significantly associated SNP, rs11720469 (β: -0.124; P<4.5 × 10-9), is also an expression quantitative trait locus for BCHE (butyrylcholinesterase), expressed in thalamus tissue. Four of the genome-wide SNPs were also associated with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Alcohol Dependence in COGA AA families, and two (rs13093097, rs7428372) were replicated in an independent AA sample (Gelernter et al.). Analyses in the AA adolescent/young adult (offspring from COGA families) subsample indicated association of rs11720469 with heavy episodic drinking (frequency of consuming 5+ drinks within 24 h). Converging findings presented in this study provide support for the role of genetic variants within 3q26 in neural and behavioral disinhibition. These novel genetic findings highlight the importance of including AA populations in genetics research on SUDs and the utility of the endophenotype approach in enhancing our understanding of mechanisms underlying addiction susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Meyers
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - J Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - J C Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Su
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - S I Kuo
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - M Kapoor
- Department of Neuroscience, Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Wetherill
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - S Bertelsen
- Department of Neuroscience, Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Lai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - J E Salvatore
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - C Kamarajan
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - D Chorlian
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - A Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - L Almasy
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - L Bauer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - K K Bucholz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - G Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - V Hesselbrock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - L Koganti
- Department of Neuroscience, Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Kramer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - S Kuperman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - N Manz
- Department of Physics, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA
| | - A Pandey
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - M Seay
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - D Scott
- Collaborative Alcohol Research Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - R E Taylor
- Collaborative Alcohol Research Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - D M Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - H J Edenberg
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - A Goate
- Department of Neuroscience, Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - T Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - B Porjesz
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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11
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Meyers JL, Zhang J, Manz N, Rangaswamy M, Kamarajan C, Wetherill L, Chorlian DB, Kang SJ, Bauer L, Hesselbrock V, Kramer J, Kuperman S, Nurnberger JI, Tischfield J, Wang JC, Edenberg HJ, Goate A, Foroud T, Porjesz B. A genome wide association study of fast beta EEG in families of European ancestry. Int J Psychophysiol 2017; 115:74-85. [PMID: 28040410 PMCID: PMC5426060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in fast beta (20-28Hz) electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillatory activity distinguish some individuals with psychiatric and substance use disorders, suggesting that it may be a useful endophenotype for studying the genetics of disorders characterized by neural hyper-excitability. Despite the high heritability estimates provided by twin and family studies, there have been relatively few genetic studies of beta EEG, and to date only one genetic association finding has replicated (i.e., GABRA2). METHOD In a sample of 1564 individuals from 117 families of European Ancestry (EA) drawn from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA), we performed a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) on resting-state fronto-central fast beta EEG power, adjusting regression models for family relatedness, age, sex, and ancestry. To further characterize genetic findings, we examined the functional and behavioral significance of GWAS findings. RESULTS Three intronic variants located within DSE (dermatan sulfate epimerase) on 6q22 were associated with fast beta EEG at a genome wide significant level (p<5×10-8). The most significant SNP was rs2252790 (p<2.6×10-8; MAF=0.36; β=0.135). rs2252790 is an eQTL for ROS1 expressed most robustly in the temporal cortex (p=1.2×10-6) and for DSE/TSPYL4 expressed most robustly in the hippocampus (p=7.3×10-4; β=0.29). Previous studies have indicated that DSE is involved in a network of genes integral to membrane organization; gene-based tests indicated that several variants within this network (i.e., DSE, ZEB2, RND3, MCTP1, and CTBP2) were also associated with beta EEG (empirical p<0.05), and of these genes, ZEB2 and CTBP2 were associated with DSM-V Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD; empirical p<0.05).' DISCUSSION In this sample of EA families enriched for AUDs, fast beta EEG is associated with variants within DSE on 6q22; the most significant SNP influences the mRNA expression of DSE and ROS1 in hippocampus and temporal cortex, brain regions important for beta EEG activity. Gene-based tests suggest evidence of association with related genes, ZEB2, RND3, MCTP1, CTBP2, and beta EEG. Converging data from GWAS, gene expression, and gene-networks presented in this study provide support for the role of genetic variants within DSE and related genes in neural hyperexcitability, and has highlighted two potential candidate genes for AUD and/or related neurological conditions: ZEB2 and CTBP2. However, results must be replicated in large, independent samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn L Meyers
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Jian Zhang
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Niklas Manz
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA; Department of Physics, College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA
| | | | - Chella Kamarajan
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Leah Wetherill
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David B Chorlian
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Sun J Kang
- Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Lance Bauer
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - John Kramer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Samuel Kuperman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - John I Nurnberger
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Howard J Edenberg
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alison Goate
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tatiana Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Bernice Porjesz
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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12
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Cservenka A, Yardley MM, Ray LA. Review: Pharmacogenetics of alcoholism treatment: Implications of ethnic diversity. Am J Addict 2016; 26:516-525. [PMID: 28134463 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pharmacogenetic studies of alcohol use disorder (AUD) have suggested that the efficacy of treatments for AUD is, in part, influenced by the genetic background of an individual. Since the frequency of alleles associated with pharmacotherapy for AUD varies by ancestral background, the effectiveness of medications used to treat AUD may vary among different populations. The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing pharmacogenetic studies of treatments for AUD in individuals of European, East Asian, African, and American Indian/Alaska Native ancestry. METHODS Electronic databases were searched for pharmacogenetic studies of AUD treatment that included individuals of diverse ancestral backgrounds. RESULTS Pharmacogenetic studies of AUD reviewed here have primarily investigated genetic variation thought to play a role in the response to naltrexone, ondansetron, and topiramate. There is support that the A118G polymorphism should be further investigated in individuals of East Asian ancestry. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Given the lack of pharmacogenetic research on response to AUD medication in ethnic minority populations and the mixed results, there is a critical need for future studies among individuals of different ancestries. More efforts should be devoted to standardizing procedures such that results can be more readily integrated into a body of literature that can directly inform clinical practice. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This review highlights the importance for future research to aim for inclusiveness in pharmacogenetic studies of AUD and increase diversity of clinical trials in order to provide the best treatment outcomes for individuals across different racial and ethnic groups. (Am J Addict 2017;26:516-525).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Cservenka
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Megan M Yardley
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lara A Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California.,Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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13
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Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence strongly indicate that genetic factors contribute to the risk for alcohol use disorders (AUD). There is substantial heterogeneity in AUD, which complicates studies seeking to identify specific genetic factors. To identify these genetic effects, several different alcohol-related phenotypes have been analyzed, including diagnosis and quantitative measures related to AUDs. Study designs have used candidate gene analyses, genetic linkage studies, genomewide association studies (GWAS), and analyses of rare variants. Two genes that encode enzymes of alcohol metabolism have the strongest effect on AUD: aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and alcohol dehydrogenase 1B each has strongly protective variants that reduce risk, with odds ratios approximately 0.2-0.4. A number of other genes important in AUD have been identified and replicated, including GABRA2 and alcohol dehydrogenases 1B and 4. GWAS have identified additional candidates. Rare variants are likely also to play a role; studies of these are just beginning. A multifaceted approach to gene identification, targeting both rare and common variations and assembling much larger datasets for meta-analyses, is critical for identifying the key genes and pathways important in AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard J Edenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Tatiana Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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14
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Abstract
Substance abuse disorders have a strong genetic component. Genetic risk factors associated with alcohol abuse include common variants in genes coding for alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors. Functional missense mutations in ADH1B and ALDH2 are protective against alcohol dependence. Nicotine use disorders are associated with polymorphisms in a cluster of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on chromosome 15q24, and mutations that reduce the enzymatic activity of CYP2A6. Genetic risk factors for other illicit drug use have not been well-studied. Most genetic vulnerability toward substance use disorders remains unexplained. Future research will benefit from advanced whole-genome sequencing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassie Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Box 356560, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jon McClellan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Box 356560, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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15
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Yin H, Pantazatos SP, Galfalvy H, Huang YY, Rosoklija GB, Dwork AJ, Burke A, Arango V, Oquendo MA, Mann JJ. A pilot integrative genomics study of GABA and glutamate neurotransmitter systems in suicide, suicidal behavior, and major depressive disorder. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171B:414-426. [PMID: 26892569 PMCID: PMC4851346 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate are the major inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the mammalian central nervous system, respectively, and have been associated with suicidal behavior and major depressive disorder (MDD). We examined the relationship between genotype, brain transcriptome, and MDD/suicide for 24 genes involved in GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling. In part 1 of the study, 119 candidate SNPs in 24 genes (4 transporters, 4 enzymes, and 16 receptors) were tested for associations with MDD and suicidal behavior in 276 live participants (86 nonfatal suicide attempters with MDD and 190 non-attempters of whom 70% had MDD) and 209 postmortem cases (121 suicide deaths of whom 62% had MDD and 88 sudden death from other causes of whom 11% had MDD) using logistic regression adjusting for sex and age. In part 2, RNA-seq was used to assay isoform-level expression in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of 59 postmortem samples (21 with MDD and suicide, 9 MDD without suicide, and 29 sudden death non-suicides and no psychiatric illness) using robust regression adjusting for sex, age, and RIN score. In part 3, SNPs with subthreshold (uncorrected) significance levels below 0.05 for an association with suicidal behavior and/or MDD in part 1 were tested for eQTL effects in prefrontal cortex using the Brain eQTL Almanac (www.braineac.org). No SNPs or transcripts were significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. However, a protein coding transcript (ENST00000414552) of the GABA A receptor, gamma 2 (GABRG2) had lower brain expression postmortem in suicide (P = 0.01) and evidence for association with suicide death (P = 0.03) in a SNP that may be an eQTL in prefrontal cortex (rs424740, P = 0.02). These preliminary results implicate GABRG2 in suicide and warrant further investigation and replication in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglei Yin
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | | | - Hanga Galfalvy
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Yung-yu Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Gorazd B. Rosoklija
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Andrew J. Dwork
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Ainsley Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Victoria Arango
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Maria A. Oquendo
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - John J. Mann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, Correspondence to: John J. Mann, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY.
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16
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Wu LSH, Lee CS, Weng TY, Wang KHT, Cheng ATA. Association Study of Gene Polymorphisms in GABA, Serotonin, Dopamine, and Alcohol Metabolism Pathways with Alcohol Dependence in Taiwanese Han Men. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:284-90. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.12963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chau-Shoun Lee
- Department of Medicine; MacKay Medical College; Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry; Mackay Memorial Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ya Weng
- Department of Computer Sciences and Engineering; Yuan Ze University; Taoyuan Taiwan
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17
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Latendresse SJ, Henry DB, Aggen SH, Byck GR, Ashbeck AW, Bolland JM, Sun C, Riley BP, Mustanski B, Dick DM. Dimensionality and Genetic Correlates of Problem Behavior in Low-Income African American Adolescents. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2015; 46:824-839. [PMID: 26514393 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2015.1070353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have long observed that problem behaviors tend to cluster together, particularly among adolescents. Epidemiological studies have suggested that this covariation is due, in part, to common genetic influences, and a number of plausible candidates have emerged as targets for investigation. To date, however, genetic association studies of these behaviors have focused mostly on unidimensional models of individual phenotypes within European American samples. Herein, we compared a series of confirmatory factor models to best characterize the structure of problem behavior (alcohol and marijuana use, sexual behavior, and disruptive behavior) within a representative community-based sample of 592 low-income African American adolescents (50.3% female), ages 13 to 18. We further explored the extent to which 3 genes previously implicated for their role in similar behavioral dimensions (CHRM2, GABRA2, and OPRM1) independently accounted for variance within factors specified in the best-fitting model. Supplementary analyses were conducted to derive comparative estimates for the predictive utility of these genes in more traditional unidimensional models. Findings provide initial evidence for a bifactor structure of problem behavior among African American adolescents and highlight novel genetic correlates of specific behavioral dimensions otherwise undetected in an orthogonal syndromal factor. Implications of this approach include increased precision in the assessment of problem behavior, with corresponding increases in the reliability and validity of identified genetic associations. As a corollary, the comparison of primary and supplementary association analyses illustrates the potential for overlooking and/or overinterpreting meaningful genetic effects when failing to adequately account for phenotypic complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David B Henry
- b School of Public Health , University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Steven H Aggen
- c Department of Psychiatry , Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Gayle R Byck
- d Department of Medical Social Sciences , Northwestern University
| | - Alan W Ashbeck
- d Department of Medical Social Sciences , Northwestern University
| | - John M Bolland
- e College of Human Environmental Sciences , University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa
| | - Cuie Sun
- c Department of Psychiatry , Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Brien P Riley
- c Department of Psychiatry , Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Brian Mustanski
- d Department of Medical Social Sciences , Northwestern University
| | - Danielle M Dick
- c Department of Psychiatry , Virginia Commonwealth University
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18
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Bühler KM, Giné E, Echeverry-Alzate V, Calleja-Conde J, de Fonseca FR, López-Moreno JA. Common single nucleotide variants underlying drug addiction: more than a decade of research. Addict Biol 2015; 20:845-71. [PMID: 25603899 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Drug-related phenotypes are common complex and highly heritable traits. In the last few years, candidate gene (CGAS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a huge number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with drug use, abuse or dependence, mainly related to alcohol or nicotine. Nevertheless, few of these associations have been replicated in independent studies. The aim of this study was to provide a review of the SNPs that have been most significantly associated with alcohol-, nicotine-, cannabis- and cocaine-related phenotypes in humans between the years of 2000 and 2012. To this end, we selected CGAS, GWAS, family-based association and case-only studies published in peer-reviewed international scientific journals (using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Addiction GWAS Resource databases) in which a significant association was reported. A total of 371 studies fit the search criteria. We then filtered SNPs with at least one replication study and performed meta-analysis of the significance of the associations. SNPs in the alcohol metabolizing genes, in the cholinergic gene cluster CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4, and in the DRD2 and ANNK1 genes, are, to date, the most replicated and significant gene variants associated with alcohol- and nicotine-related phenotypes. In the case of cannabis and cocaine, a far fewer number of studies and replications have been reported, indicating either a need for further investigation or that the genetics of cannabis/cocaine addiction are more elusive. This review brings a global state-of-the-art vision of the behavioral genetics of addiction and collaborates on formulation of new hypothesis to guide future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kora-Mareen Bühler
- Department of Psychobiology; School of Psychology; Complutense University of Madrid; Málaga Spain
| | - Elena Giné
- Department of Cellular Biology; School of Medicine; Complutense University of Madrid; Málaga Spain
| | - Victor Echeverry-Alzate
- Department of Psychobiology; School of Psychology; Complutense University of Madrid; Málaga Spain
| | - Javier Calleja-Conde
- Department of Psychobiology; School of Psychology; Complutense University of Madrid; Málaga Spain
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19
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Lieberman R, Kranzler HR, Joshi P, Shin DG, Covault J. GABRA2 Alcohol Dependence Risk Allele is Associated with Reduced Expression of Chromosome 4p12 GABAA Subunit Genes in Human Neural Cultures. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:1654-64. [PMID: 26250693 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variation in a region of chromosome 4p12 that includes the GABAA subunit gene GABRA2 has been reproducibly associated with alcohol dependence (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the association are unknown. This study examined correlates of in vitro gene expression of the AD-associated GABRA2 rs279858*C-allele in human neural cells using an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model system. METHODS We examined mRNA expression of chromosome 4p12 GABAA subunit genes (GABRG1, GABRA2, GABRA4, and GABRB1) in 36 human neural cell lines differentiated from iPSCs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and next-generation RNA sequencing. mRNA expression in adult human brain was examined using the BrainCloud and BRAINEAC data sets. RESULTS We found significantly lower levels of GABRA2 mRNA in neural cell cultures derived from rs279858*C-allele carriers. Levels of GABRA2 RNA were correlated with those of the other 3 chromosome 4p12 GABAA genes, but not other neural genes. Cluster analysis based on the relative RNA levels of the 4 chromosome 4p12 GABAA genes identified 2 distinct clusters of cell lines, a low-expression cluster associated with rs279858*C-allele carriers and a high-expression cluster enriched for the rs279858*T/T genotype. In contrast, there was no association of genotype with chromosome 4p12 GABAA gene expression in postmortem adult cortex in either the BrainCloud or BRAINEAC data sets. CONCLUSIONS AD-associated variation in GABRA2 is associated with differential expression of the entire cluster of GABAA subunit genes on chromosome 4p12 in human iPSC-derived neural cell cultures. The absence of a parallel effect in postmortem human adult brain samples suggests that AD-associated genotype effects on GABAA expression, although not present in mature cortex, could have effects on regulation of the chromosome 4p12 GABAA cluster during neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lieberman
- Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Henry R Kranzler
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,VISN4 MIRECC, Philadelphia VAMC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Pujan Joshi
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Dong-Guk Shin
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Jonathan Covault
- Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
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20
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Abstract
Alcohol use and alcohol use disorders are substantially heritable. Variants in genes coding for alcohol metabolic enzymes have long been known to influence consumption. More recent studies in family-based samples have implicated GABRA2, nicotinic receptor genes such as CHRNB3, and a number of other specific single genes as associated with alcohol use disorders. The growing use of genetic analyses, in particular studies using polygenic risk scores; neurobiologic pathways; and methods for quantifying gene × gene and gene × environment interactions have also contributed to an evolving understanding of the genetic architecture of alcohol use disorders. Additionally, the study of behavioral traits associated with alcohol dependence such as impulsivity and sensation seeking, and the influences of demographic factors (i.e., sex and ethnicity) have significantly enhanced the genetics of alcoholism literature. This article provides a brief overview of the current topically relevant findings in the field to date and includes areas of research still requiring attention.
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21
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Liang J, Olsen RW. Alcohol use disorders and current pharmacological therapies: the role of GABA(A) receptors. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2014; 35:981-93. [PMID: 25066321 PMCID: PMC4125717 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are defined as alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, which create large problems both for society and for the drinkers themselves. To date, no therapeutic can effectively solve these problems. Understanding the underlying mechanisms leading to AUD is critically important for developing effective and safe pharmacological therapies. Benzodiazepines (BZs) are used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. However, frequent use of BZs causes cross-tolerance, dependence, and cross-addiction to alcohol. The FDA-approved naltrexone and acamprosate have shown mixed results in clinical trials. Naltrexone is effective to treat alcohol dependence (decreased length and frequency of drinking bouts), but its severe side effects, including withdrawal symptoms, are difficult to overcome. Acamprosate showed efficacy for treating alcohol dependence in European trials, but two large US trials have failed to confirm the efficacy. Another FDA-approved medication, disulfiram, does not diminish craving, and it causes a peripheral neuropathy. Kudzu is the only natural medication mentioned by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, but its mechanisms of action are not yet established. It has been recently shown that dihydromyricetin, a flavonoid purified from Hovenia, has unique effects on GABAA receptors and blocks ethanol intoxication and withdrawal in alcoholic animal models. In this article, we review the role of GABAA receptors in the treatment of AUD and currently available and potentially novel pharmacological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liang
- Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Richard W Olsen
- Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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22
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Yang C, Li C, Kranzler HR, Farrer LA, Zhao H, Gelernter J. Exploring the genetic architecture of alcohol dependence in African-Americans via analysis of a genomewide set of common variants. Hum Genet 2014; 133:617-24. [PMID: 24297757 PMCID: PMC3988209 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-013-1399-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence (AD) is a complex psychiatric disorder that affects about 12.5 % of US adults. Genetic factors play a major role in the development of AD. We conducted a genomewide association study in 2,875 African-Americans including 1,719 AD cases and 1,156 controls. We used the Illumina Omni 1-Quad microarray, which yielded 769,498 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after quality control. To explore the genetic architecture of AD, we estimated the variance that could be explained by all SNPs and subsets of SNPs using two different approaches to genome partitioning. We found that 23.9 % (s.e. 9.3 %) of the phenotypic variance could be explained by using all of the common SNPs on the array. We also found a significant linear relationship between the proportion of the top SNPs used and the phenotypic variance explained by them. Based on genome partitioning of common variants, we also observed a significant linear relationship between the variance explained by a chromosome and its length. Chromosome 4, known to contain several AD risk genes, accounted for excess risk in proportion to its length. By functional partitioning, we found that the genetic variants within 20 kb of genes explained 17.5 % (s.e. 11.4 %) of the phenotypic variance. Our findings are consistent with the generally accepted view that AD is a highly polygenic trait, i.e., the genetic risk in AD appears to be conferred by multiple variants, each of which may have a small or moderate effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA,
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Melroy WE, Stephens SH, Sakai JT, Kamens HM, McQueen MB, Corley RP, Stallings MC, Hopfer CJ, Krauter KS, Brown SA, Hewitt JK, Ehringer MA. Examination of genetic variation in GABRA2 with conduct disorder and alcohol abuse and dependence in a longitudinal study. Behav Genet 2014; 44:356-67. [PMID: 24687270 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-014-9653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in gamma aminobutyric acid receptor alpha 2 (GABRA2) and adolescent conduct disorder (CD) and alcohol dependence in adulthood, but not adolescent alcohol dependence. The present study was intended as a replication and extension of this work, focusing on adolescent CD, adolescent alcohol abuse and dependence (AAD), and adult AAD. Family based association tests were run using Hispanics and non-Hispanic European American subjects from two independent longitudinal samples. Although the analysis provided nominal support for an association with rs9291283 and AAD in adulthood and CD in adolescence, the current study failed to replicate previous associations between two well replicated GABRA2 SNPs and CD and alcohol dependence. Overall, these results emphasize the utility of including an independent replication sample in the study design, so that the results from an individual sample can be weighted in the context of its reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney E Melroy
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
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Li D, Sulovari A, Cheng C, Zhao H, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J. Association of gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor α2 gene (GABRA2) with alcohol use disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:907-18. [PMID: 24136292 PMCID: PMC3924525 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in mammalian brain. GABA receptor are involved in a number of complex disorders, including substance abuse. No variants of the commonly studied GABA receptor genes that have been associated with substance dependence have been determined to be functional or pathogenic. To reconcile the conflicting associations with substance dependence traits, we performed a meta-analysis of variants in the GABAA receptor genes (GABRB2, GABRA6, GABRA1, and GABRG2 on chromosome 5q and GABRA2 on chromosome 4p12) using genotype data from 4739 cases of alcohol, opioid, or methamphetamine dependence and 4924 controls. Then, we combined the data from candidate gene association studies in the literature with two alcohol dependence (AD) samples, including 1691 cases and 1712 controls from the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE), and 2644 cases and 494 controls from our own study. Using a Bonferroni-corrected threshold of 0.007, we found strong associations between GABRA2 and AD (P=9 × 10(-6) and odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.27 (1.15, 1.4) for rs567926, P=4 × 10(-5) and OR=1.21 (1.1, 1.32) for rs279858), and between GABRG2 and both dependence on alcohol and dependence on heroin (P=0.0005 and OR=1.22 (1.09, 1.37) for rs211014). Significant association was also observed between GABRA6 rs3219151 and AD. The GABRA2 rs279858 association was observed in the SAGE data sets with a combined P of 9 × 10(-6) (OR=1.17 (1.09, 1.26)). When all of these data sets, including our samples, were meta-analyzed, associations of both GABRA2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms remained (for rs567926, P=7 × 10(-5) (OR=1.18 (1.09, 1.29)) in all the studies, and P=8 × 10(-6) (OR=1.25 (1.13, 1.38)) in subjects of European ancestry and for rs279858, P=5 × 10(-6) (OR=1.18 (1.1, 1.26)) in subjects of European ancestry. Findings from this extensive meta-analysis of five GABAA receptor genes and substance abuse support their involvement (with the best evidence for GABRA2) in the pathogenesis of AD. Further replications with larger samples are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Neuroscience, Behavior, and Health Initiative, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Arvis Sulovari
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Henry R Kranzler
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, USA
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Abstract
Addictions are prevalent psychiatric disorders that confer remarkable personal and social burden. Despite substantial evidence for their moderate, yet robust, heritability (approx. 50%), specific genetic mechanisms underlying their development and maintenance remain unclear. The goal of this selective review is to highlight progress in unveiling the genetic underpinnings of addiction. First, we revisit the basis for heritable variation in addiction before reviewing the most replicable candidate gene findings and emerging signals from genomewide association studies for alcohol, nicotine and cannabis addictions. Second, we survey the modest but growing field of neurogenetics examining how genetic variation influences corticostriatal structure, function, and connectivity to identify neural mechanisms that may underlie associations between genetic variation and addiction. Third, we outline how extant genomic findings are being used to develop and refine pharmacotherapies. Finally, as sample sizes for genetically informed studies of addiction approach critical mass, we posit five exciting possibilities that may propel further discovery (improved phenotyping, rare variant discovery, gene-environment interplay, epigenetics, and novel neuroimaging designs).
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Gorini G, Adron Harris R, Dayne Mayfield R. Proteomic approaches and identification of novel therapeutic targets for alcoholism. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:104-30. [PMID: 23900301 PMCID: PMC3857647 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that gene regulation is far more complex than previously believed and does not completely explain changes at the protein level. Therefore, the direct study of the proteome, considerably different in both complexity and dynamicity to the genome/transcriptome, has provided unique insights to an increasing number of researchers. During the past decade, extraordinary advances in proteomic techniques have changed the way we can analyze the composition, regulation, and function of protein complexes and pathways underlying altered neurobiological conditions. When combined with complementary approaches, these advances provide the contextual information for decoding large data sets into meaningful biologically adaptive processes. Neuroproteomics offers potential breakthroughs in the field of alcohol research by leading to a deeper understanding of how alcohol globally affects protein structure, function, interactions, and networks. The wealth of information gained from these advances can help pinpoint relevant biomarkers for early diagnosis and improved prognosis of alcoholism and identify future pharmacological targets for the treatment of this addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Gorini
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - R Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - R Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Abstract
Alcoholism has a substantial heritability yet the detection of specific genetic influences has largely proved elusive. The strongest findings are with genes encoding alcohol metabolizing enzymes. A few candidate genes such as GABRA2 have shown robust associations with alcoholism. Moreover, it has become apparent that variants in stress-related genes such as CRHR1, may only confer risk in individuals exposed to trauma, particularly in early life. Over the past decade there have been tremendous advances in large scale SNP genotyping technologies allowing for genome-wide associations studies (GWAS). As a result, it is now recognized that genetic risk for alcoholism is likely to be due to common variants in very many genes, each of small effect, although rare variants with large effects might also play a role. This has resulted in a paradigm shift away from gene centric studies toward analyses of gene interactions and gene networks within biologically relevant pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Anne Enoch
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA,
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Abstract
Alcohol is widely consumed; however, excessive use creates serious physical, psychological and social problems and contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases. Alcohol use disorders (that is, alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse) are maladaptive patterns of excessive drinking that lead to serious problems. Abundant evidence indicates that alcohol dependence (alcoholism) is a complex genetic disease, with variations in a large number of genes affecting a person's risk of alcoholism. Some of these genes have been identified, including two genes involved in the metabolism of alcohol (ADH1B and ALDH2) that have the strongest known affects on the risk of alcoholism. Studies continue to reveal other genes in which variants affect the risk of alcoholism or related traits, including GABRA2, CHRM2, KCNJ6 and AUTS2. As more variants are analysed and studies are combined for meta-analysis to achieve increased sample sizes, an improved picture of the many genes and pathways that affect the risk of alcoholism will be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard J Edenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS4063, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5122, USA.
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Kaminski BJ, Van Linn ML, Cook JM, Yin W, Weerts EM. Effects of the benzodiazepine GABAA α1-preferring ligand, 3-propoxy-β-carboline hydrochloride (3-PBC), on alcohol seeking and self-administration in baboons. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 227:127-36. [PMID: 23271191 PMCID: PMC3624026 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2946-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The various α subtypes of GABAA receptors have been strongly implicated in alcohol reinforcement and consumption. OBJECTIVES The effects of the GABAA α1-preferring ligand, 3-propoxy-β-carboline hydrochloride (3-PBC), on seeking and self-administration responses were evaluated in two groups of baboons trained under a 3-component chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR). METHODS Alcohol (4 % w/v; n = 5; alcohol group) or a preferred nonalcoholic beverage (n = 4; control group) was available for self-administration only in component 3 of the CSR. Responses in component 2 provided indices of motivation to drink (seeking). 3-PBC (1.0-30.0 mg/kg) and saline were administered before drinking sessions under both acute and 5-day dosing conditions. RESULTS Repeated, and not acute, doses of 3-PBC significantly decreased total self-administration responses (p < 0.05), volume consumed (p < 0.05), and gram per kilogram of alcohol (p < 0.05) in the alcohol group. In the control group, 5-day administration of 3-PBC significantly decreased total self-administration responses (p < 0.05) but produced nonsignificant decreases in volume consumed. Within-session pattern of drinking was characterized by a high level of drinking in the first 20 min of the session for both groups, which was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by all doses of 3-PBC (1.0-18.0 mg/kg) only in the alcohol group. In contrast, the first drinking bout in the control group was only reduced at the highest doses of 3-PBC (10.0 and 18.0 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS The results support the involvement of the GABAA α1 subtype receptor in alcohol reinforcement and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J. Kaminski
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Michael L. Van Linn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201
| | - James M. Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201
| | - Wenyuan Yin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224
- Corresponding Author: Elise M. Weerts, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus, Behavioral Biology Research Center, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Suite 3000, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA Tel.: 410-550-2781; Fax: 410-550-2780;
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Simons RL, Simons LG, Lei MK, Beach SRH, Brody GH, Gibbons FX, Philibert RA. Genetic Moderation of the Impact of Parenting on Hostility toward Romantic Partners. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2013; 75:325-341. [PMID: 24379481 PMCID: PMC3874281 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Although GxE studies are typically based on the assumption that some individuals possess genetic variants that enhance their vulnerability to environmental adversity, the differential susceptibility model posits that these individuals are simply more sensitive to social context, whether that context be adverse or supportive. Thus those persons most vulnerable to adversity are the same ones who reap the most benefit from support. This idea was tested using longitudinal data from a sample of several hundred African Americans. Findings indicated that relatively common variants of the GABRA2 gene interact with parenting to predict hostility toward romantic partners in a manner consonant with the differential susceptibility hypothesis. Individuals with these genetic variants displayed more aggression toward their partner than those with other genotypes when they had been subjected to harsh parenting, but exhibited less aggression toward their partner than other genotypes if their parents avoided harsh parenting practices.
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Yang X, Lu X, Wang L, Chen S, Li J, Cao J, Chen J, Hao Y, Li Y, Zhao L, Li H, Liu D, Wang L, Lu F, Shen C, Yu L, Wu X, Zhao Q, Ji X, Guo D, Peng X, Huang J, Gu D. Common variants at 12q24 are associated with drinking behavior in Han Chinese. Am J Clin Nutr 2013; 97:545-51. [PMID: 23364009 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.112.046482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption is heritable, but genetic susceptibility to drinking behavior has not been investigated widely in genome-wide association studies. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify susceptibility loci for drinking behavior (drinkers compared with nondrinkers) in Han Chinese. DESIGN We performed 2 genome-wide association studies including 1420 drinkers and 3590 nondrinkers in discovery, followed by a de novo replication analysis comprising 4896 drinkers and 13,293 nondrinkers. DNA samples of the subjects were collected for genotyping. RESULTS The association results of drinking behavior (drinkers or nondrinkers) showed a cluster of single nucleotide polymorphisms at 12q24 in discovery (P < 5 × 10(-8)), with the strongest association for rs11066280 near C12orf51 (P-combined = 3.26 × 10(-215)). Moreover, we observed the association with drinking behavior for a functional variant in ALDH2 at 12q24 (rs671, P-discovery = 5.17 × 10(-35)). We also identified the association between rs11066280 and daily alcohol intake among drinkers (P-combined = 4.01 × 10(-21)). CONCLUSION Our data indicate that common variants at 12q24 may contribute to the susceptibility of drinking behavior in Han Chinese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Yang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Palmer RHC, McGeary JE, Francazio S, Raphael BJ, Lander AD, Heath AC, Knopik VS. The genetics of alcohol dependence: advancing towards systems-based approaches. Drug Alcohol Depend 2012; 125:179-91. [PMID: 22854292 PMCID: PMC3470479 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personalized treatment for psychopathologies, in particular alcoholism, is highly dependent upon our ability to identify patterns of genetic and environmental effects that influence a person's risk. Unfortunately, array-based whole genome investigations into heritable factors that explain why one person becomes dependent upon alcohol and another does not, have indicated that alcohol's genetic architecture is highly complex. That said, uncovering and interpreting the missing heritability in alcohol genetics research has become all the more important, especially since the problem may extend to our inability to model the cumulative and combinatorial relationships between common and rare genetic variants. As numerous studies begin to illustrate the dependency of alcohol pharmacotherapies on an individual's genotype, the field is further challenged to identify new ways to transcend agnostic genomewide association approaches. We discuss insights from genetic studies of alcohol related diseases, as well as issues surrounding alcohol's genetic complexity and etiological heterogeneity. Finally, we describe the need for innovative systems-based approaches (systems genetics) that can provide additional statistical power that can enhance future gene-finding strategies and help to identify heretofore-unrealized mechanisms that may provide new targets for prevention/treatments efforts. Emerging evidence from early studies suggest that systems genetics has the potential to organize our neurological, pharmacological, and genetic understanding of alcohol dependence into a biologically plausible framework that represents how perturbations across evolutionarily robust biological systems determine susceptibility to alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H C Palmer
- Division of Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital, USA.
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Yang BZ, Han S, Kranzler HR, Farrer LA, Elston RC, Gelernter J. Autosomal linkage scan for loci predisposing to comorbid dependence on multiple substances. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2012; 159B:361-9. [PMID: 22354695 PMCID: PMC3920832 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple substance dependence (MSD) trait comorbidity is common, and MSD patients are often severely affected clinically. While shared genetic risks have been documented, so far there has been no published report using the linkage scan approach to survey risk loci for MSD as a phenotype. A total of 1,758 individuals in 739 families [384 African American (AA) and 355 European American (EA) families] ascertained via affected sib-pairs with cocaine or opioid or alcohol dependence were genotyped using an array-based linkage panel of single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. Fuzzy clustering analysis was conducted on individuals with alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, opioid, and nicotine dependence for AAs and EAs separately, and linkage scans were conducted for the output membership coefficients using Merlin-regression. In EAs, we observed an autosome-wide significant linkage signal on chromosome 4 (peak lod = 3.31 at 68.3 cM; empirical autosome-wide P = 0.038), and a suggestive linkage signal on chromosome 21 (peak lod = 2.37 at 19.4 cM). In AAs, four suggestive linkage peaks were observed: two peaks on chromosome 10 (lod = 2.66 at 96.7 cM and lod = 3.02 at 147.6 cM] and the other two on chromosomes 3 (lod = 2.81 at 145.5 cM) and 9 (lod = 1.93 at 146.8 cM). Three particularly promising candidate genes, GABRA4, GABRB1, and CLOCK, are located within or very close to the autosome-wide significant linkage region for EAs on chromosome 4. This is the first linkage evidence supporting existence of genetic loci influencing risk for several comorbid disorders simultaneously in two major US populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Zhu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Shizhong Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Henry R. Kranzler
- Psychiatry Treatment Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lindsay A. Farrer
- Departments of Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Genomics, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert C. Elston
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut,Correspondence to: Joel Gelernter, M.D., Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, VA CT 116A2.
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