Recent advances in genetic studies of alcohol use disorders.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex genetic disorder with very high heritability. This polygenic disorder not only results in increased morbidity and mortality, it is also a substantial social and economic burden on families and the nation. For past three decades, several genetic studies were conducted to identify genes and pathways associated with AUD. This review aims to summarize past efforts and recent advances in genetic association studies of AUD and related traits.

Recent findings

Initial genetic association studies achieved a limted success and suffered from low power due to small sample sizes. AUD is a polygenic trait and data from several thousands individuals was required to identify the genetic factors of small effect sizes. The scenario cha

SUBMITTER: Gupta I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7748121 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature