The role of GABRA2 in alcohol dependence, smoking, and illicit drug use in an Australian population sample.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Multiple studies have shown that genetic variation in the alpha-2 subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor (GABRA2) is associated with risk for alcohol dependence. Recent reports have suggested that GABRA2 may exert its influence on dependence through factors such as sensitivity to alcohol's intoxicating effects and that GABRA2 may also contribute to a common underlying genetic vulnerability to both alcohol and drug dependence. The present study tested for association between GABRA2 and alcohol dependence, smoking, and illicit drug use within the Australian population.

Methods

We genotyped 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or flanking GABRA2 in 4597 subjects (34.6% males) from 2618 families comprising 814 monozygotic pairs, 1

SUBMITTER: Lind PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2575093 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature