Genetics and drinking behavior of the family members can fairly predict alcoholism. But according to the researchers, this association of genes against a congenial environment for alcoholism has been poorly explored so far and there is a knowledge gap.
A recent study on rats by the Purdue University and the Indiana University discovered the genes responsible for developing alcohol craving in rats. They compared the genomes of the rats that drank compulsively with those that completely abstained from it and discovered as many as 930 genes linked to alcoholism.
The study also corroborated earlier findings that linked genes to alcoholism and unearthed newer genes and neurological pathways which can be targeted for treatment. But the sheer number of contributing genes would make it difficult to develop pharmaceutical treatments for alcoholism, the researchers said.
"It's not one gene, one problem," said researcher William Muir, a professor of genetics. "This trait is controlled by vast numbers of genes and networks. This probably dashes water on the idea of treating alcoholism with a single pill."
Rat model helped in study
The researchers acknowledged the fact that it is difficult to study the influence of genetics on drinking habit and the influence of other factors, like stress, boredom or peer pressure. It is not possible in humans.
"It's very difficult to tease out the difference between what your genes are telling you to do and what you choose to do," said Muir.
Hence, the researchers chose a rat model to study the role of genes in contributing towards alcoholism. Rats share a majority of the genes with humans. They chose two distinct groups of rats - one that displayed signs of alcoholism and the other which completely abstained from alcohol.
'We all have genes for alcoholism'
It took decades to breed rats who would be inclined to drinking because they have a natural disliking for alcohol. There were other challenges as well. "Under the influence of alcohol, some rats became docile and fell asleep in a corner, while others became aggressive," Muir added.
The researchers compared entire genomes from 10 rats in each row to ascertain the genetic characteristics of drinking and abstaining. After that they repeated the experiment with two additional lines of alcohol-seeking and teetotaler rats. They wanted to know which genes alterations were due to natural selection and which were random genetic crosses.
They found as many as 930 genes which triggered excessive drinking behavior in the rats. Most of the genes were from the genetic regulatory regions, not coding regions, something which was previously thought of. Drawing an analogy with a car, Muir compared the coding regions to a car, the regulatory regions to the gas and brake pedals that decide the speed of the car. "We all have the genes for alcoholism, but our genetic abilities to control it differ," he said.
Environment still a major contributing factor
Despite the findings, the researchers are of the view that environmental factors play an important part in building people's drinking habit and that genetics cannot be entirely held responsible for it.
"Even with the same genetics, one person might be prone to getting drunk while another doesn't drink at all," said co-researcher of the study Feng Zhou, a professor of neuroscience at Indiana University School of Medicine. "Your environment can trigger the expression of genetic tendencies toward alcoholism."
Recovery road map
Alcoholism is a scourge and can lead to devastating effects. Chronic alcoholism can be fatal, if not intervened at the right juncture.
https://ezinearticles.com/?Researchers-Identify-Genes-Responsible-for-Alcoholism&id=9587007
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