Genetics and epigenetics of alcohol dependence

Journal of Molecular Psychiatry

Andreas J Fallgatter¹  Anil Batra¹  Vanessa Nieratschker¹ 

[1] Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Germany, Calwerstrasse 14, Tuebingen 72076, Germany

关键词: Genome-wide studies;    Candidate gene studies;    Withdrawal;    Homocysteine;    Alcohol dependence;    DNA methylation;    Epigenetics;    Gene * environment interaction;    Genetics;   

Others  :  820030
DOI  :  10.1186/2049-9256-1-11

 received in 2013-05-15, accepted in 2013-07-03,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Alcohol dependence is a severe and common disorder associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Genetic as well as environmental factors are known to modulate susceptibility to alcohol dependence. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that this interaction between the genome and the environment is mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, e.g. DNA methylation at CpG sites. Following an introduction of epigenetic regulation of gene transcription, this review will provide an overview over recent genetic and epigenetic findings in the context of alcohol dependence focusing on human studies. Finally, we will discuss the current limitations of epigenetic studies as well as the implications of genetic and epigenetic findings for the development of better treatment and prevention strategies.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Nieratschker et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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