Very Interesting

Genetic Strategies to Detect Genes Involved in Alcoholism and Alcohol–Related Traits

"Alcoholism is one of the most common and costly health problems in the United States. Substantial evidence from family, twin, and adoption studies suggests that genetic factors play a role both in normal patterns of alcohol use and in alcohol use disorders (i.e., alcohol abuse and dependence). It is estimated that approximately 50 to 60 percent of the variance in alcohol dependence can be attributed to genetic factors (McGue 1999). Researchers are currently attempting to identify the specific genes involved in patterns of alcohol use and alcohol dependence. These efforts are complicated by the complex nature of alcoholism and its development. Thus, although studies have convincingly demonstrated that genes play a role in the development of alcoholism, the same studies have also provided strong evidence for the importance of environmental factors."

Is alcoholism in our DNA? Researchers link gene mutation to excessive drinking

"A single mutation in the gene can scramble the chemical messages that inhibit drinking, compromising the body’s ability to consume alcohol in moderation, researchers found.

Experiments on mice found that those with mutant copies of the Gabrb1 gene preferred drinking diluted alcohol over water, in contrast to those with normal genes."

[---]

"Although some humans drink excessively for a variety of reasons, the findings suggest that a few may be more genetically at risk of alcoholism, researchers said."

Alcohol-Dependence Gene Identified

"The gene is related to a receptor that allows for the movement of Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) between nerve cells. GABA is the major inhibitory chemical in the central nervous system.

"There were lines of evidence from other studies -- animal studies, in vitro studies -- that suggested GABA receptors are involved in the behavioral effects of alcohol," says lead author Danielle M. Dick, Ph.D., research assistant professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "Because GABA receptor genes were likely candidates and previous studies had linked this area on chromosome 15 to alcoholism, we zeroed in on three GABA receptor genes but only found significant association with one of them.""

[---]

"Dick says it is important to point out that genetic make-up does not necessarily mean a person is doomed to become an alcoholic.

"One reason it is so difficult to find genes involved in psychiatric disorders is that there is an interplay between genetic and environmental factors," she says. "A person can carry all kinds of genes that predispose them to alcohol dependence, but if they never take a drink, they won't become an alcoholic."

I remember years and years ago this theory got some coverage in the news. The then head of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians called it racist, of course. I wonder if we'll get a similar outcry concerning this research. Can't take the blame entirely off the evil "White Man", now can we. After all, he should have known this, three or four hundred years ago.