Neuronal Plasticity Genes Linked to Alcohol Use Disorders – Neuroscience News
Neuronal Plasticity Genes Linked to Alcohol Use Disorders Neuroscience News
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A Link Between Alcohol Use Disorders and Genes Influencing Neuronal Plasticity and Pain Perceptions
A new study conducted by researchers at Indiana University has found a connection between alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and a group of genes that influence neuronal plasticity and pain perceptions. The study used three different animal models to identify the genes responsible for drinking behaviors. It was discovered that genes involved in pain sensation work together with two other groups of neural genes that are involved in neural communication.
Key Facts:
- The study analyzed nearly 30,000 genes using three different animal models and identified a link between AUDs and groups of genes affecting neuronal plasticity and pain perceptions.
- The identified genes interacted with two other groups of neural channel and neural excitation genes that perform neural communication functions.
- The study suggests that early identification of a high genetic tendency towards alcoholism could help individuals moderate their drinking and lead to more focused treatment or prevention strategies.
Source: Indiana University
An estimated 16 million people in the United States have alcohol use disorders (AUDs), according to the National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). A recent study conducted by researchers at Indiana University has made a significant discovery regarding the role of genes in the development of AUDs. The study found that alteration of a group of genes known to influence neuronal plasticity and pain perceptions, rather than a single gene defect, is linked to AUDs.
According to Feng Zhou, PhD, professor emeritus of anatomy, cell biology and physiology at IU School of Medicine, inherited genes play a major role in the development of AUDs. Previous studies have shown a direct association between family genetics and alcohol dependence. The researchers, including William Muir, PhD, professor emeritus of genetics at the Purdue Department of Animal Sciences, published their findings in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research.
The researchers used three different animal models created in the IU Alcohol Research Center to study the impact of genes on the desire for alcohol. They analyzed approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs containing nearly 30,000 genes in 70 individual animals to identify the specific genes responsible for drinking behaviors. The experimental design allowed the researchers to identify population differences based on drinking behaviors rather than chance genetic differences or other environmental influences.
The study found that the genes mediating pain sensation work together with two other groups of neural channel and neural excitation genes that perform neural communication functions. These three groups of genes are crucial for neuroadaptation and neuroplasticity, meaning they can change brain communications.
The researchers also discovered a cohort of genes that have an impact on alcohol use. Some of these genes have silent mutations, which means they do not alter the amino acid sequence translated but influence the rate and conformation of gene transcription, leading to changes in other genes that affect alcoholism.
According to Muir, this is the first time that multiple models have been used to study the impact of genes on alcohol use. Previous research focused on individual genes, but this study shows that large groups of genes make a difference. This finding can guide future research and clinical care for individuals with AUDs.
Zhou explains that the brain undergoes modifications over the drinking period, similar to drug abuse. Genetic factors play a role in neural plasticity or neural adaptation, which makes drinking more pleasurable and tolerable or provides pain relief. Muir suggests that early counseling based on the understanding that pain relief is a motivation for drinking can help individuals avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
The new findings raise the possibility of genetic testing for alcoholism. Individuals who are tested and know that they have a high genetic tendency to develop AUDs can take extra care to moderate their drinking.
Zhou highlights the importance of translating these animal findings to humans. If verified, this knowledge can lead to more focused treatment and prevention strategies.
About this Genetics and Neuroplasticity Research News
Author: Christina Griffiths
Source: Indiana University
Contact: Christina Griffiths – Indiana University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Multi-animal-model study reveals mutations in neural plasticity and nociception genes linked to excessive alcohol drinking” by Feng Zhou et al. Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research
Abstract
Multi-animal-model study reveals mutations in neural plasticity and nociception genes linked to excessive alcohol drinking
Background
The basis for familial alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains an enigma due to various biological and societal confounds. The present study used three of the most adopted and documented rat models, combining the alcohol-preferring/non-alcohol-preferring (P/NP) lines and high alcohol-drinking/low alcohol-drinking (HAD/LAD) replicated lines, of AUD as examined through the lens of whole genomic analyses.
Methods
We used complete genome sequencing of the P/NP lines and previously published sequences of the HAD/LAD replicates to enhance the discovery of variants associated with AUD and to remove confounding with genetic background and random genetic drift. Specifically, we used high-order statistical methods to search for genetic variants whose frequency changes in whole sets of gene ontologies corresponded with phenotypic
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
- SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned in the article. However, potential indicators could include:
- Number of individuals receiving genetic testing for alcoholism
- Percentage of individuals with a high genetic tendency towards alcoholism who moderate their drinking
- Availability and accessibility of focused treatment or prevention strategies for individuals with a high genetic tendency towards alcoholism
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Number of individuals receiving genetic testing for alcoholism – Percentage of individuals with a high genetic tendency towards alcoholism who moderate their drinking – Availability and accessibility of focused treatment or prevention strategies for individuals with a high genetic tendency towards alcoholism |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – N/A |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels | – N/A |
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Source: neurosciencenews.com
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