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Genetic factors influencing alcohol dependence

  1. R D Mayfield1,
  2. R A Harris1,*,
  3. M A Schuckit2

Article first published online: 29 JAN 2009

DOI: 10.1038/bjp.2008.88

Issue

British Journal of Pharmacology

British Journal of Pharmacology

Special Issue: Special Issue: Neuropharmacology of Addiction

Volume 154, Issue 2, pages 275–287, May 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

Mayfield, R. D., Harris, R. A. and Schuckit, M. A. (2008), Genetic factors influencing alcohol dependence. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154: 275–287. doi: 10.1038/bjp.2008.88

Author Information

  1. 1

    Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

  2. 2

    Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA

*Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA. E-mail: harris@mail.utexas.edu

  1. DOI: 10.1038/bjp.2008.131

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 29 JAN 2009
  2. Article first published online: 29 JAN 2009
  3. (Received November 12, 2007, Revised February 26, 2008, Accepted February 27, 2008)

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Keywords:

  • alcohol;
  • alcoholism;
  • alcohol dependence;
  • endophenotype;
  • genetic;
  • gene expression;
  • gene mapping;
  • genome;
  • microarray;
  • linkage

Plentiful data from both animal and human studies support the importance of genetic influences in substance abuse and dependence (Bierut et al., 1998; Tsuang et al., 1998; Kendler et al., 2003). This review summarizes the evidence supporting such genetic influences, places them into perspective regarding animal and human studies, discusses the importance of both genes and environment, and highlights some specific genes of interest regarding the vulnerabilities for problems associated with alcohol use disorders. A long history of repetitive heavy use of alcohol exists across generations as well as the high prevalence of alcohol-related problems in Western societies. Moreover, the information offered here addresses the importance of more general issues regarding genetics and gene expression related to alcohol abuse and dependence.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 275–287; doi:fn1; published online 24 March 2008

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