Genetics of alcoholism research

Published:Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Updated:Tuesday, April 16, 2013 22:04

The Alcohol Research Center (ARC) at UConn received a grant that provides five years of funding through 2017 in order to continue research on several studies including one that began in 1989.

Dr. Victor Hesselbrock, the primary investigative researcher, explained over the phone the major benefits the grant will have to the ARC which includes further research on the study of the genetics of alcoholism (COGA). The research for COGA is looking at extensive evidence that genes influence the vulnerability to alcoholism. About 17,000 individuals have participated in the study from five different states across the country. The planning for the study began in 1988 and officially received funding in 1989. COGA also focuses around identifying genes associated with developmental problems caused by alcohol.

We have identified 30 different genes in different organ systems associated with problems of alcohol use (within the study), said Hesselbrock. We also learned about taste sensitivity. There are genes that prefer or like the taste of alcohol. Then there are other genes that dont like the taste of alcohol and it provides a protection factor. The grant is funding four main studies and pilot studies surrounding alcoholism according to Hesselbrock. The four main studies include: COGA, seeing if college students in the real world drink as much as in college, risk factors associated with alcohol and obesity among adolescent girls and using E-Technology to track alcohol use in patients that have alcohol problems. The pilot studies will begin in the early fall and will center around testing varied cells for IPS (Immature Pluripotent stem cells) to generate stem cells and neurons found in the brain and look at the affects of alcohol. Rather than using real brain tissue the ARC can duplicate it in a test tube. Hesselbrock joked that not many people are willing to donate their own brain tissue.

Another pilot study includes examining older people and to see how alcohol affects their balance, gate and cognition done in low doses. The patients are given one or two drinks and researchers will see how they are affected differently compared to younger college students. Hesselbrock explained that much of the studies done at the ARC offers opportunities to develop pharmacological interventions for alcoholism and important implications for prevention and treatments.

Working in the department of psychiatry and addiction is major part. We have identified genes and their vulnerability, said Hesselbrock. We have been able to identify types of individuals with different levels of risks and vulnerabilities for substance abuse. There is a lot of cognitive testing of these individuals. Weve identified styles or deficits that contribute to a persons risk of substance abuse. Hesselbrock says the study is considered to be large and by using large sample numbers of individual has led to finding results for the numerous studies.

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Genetics of alcoholism research