Twin, adoption, and family studies have provided evidence that genes play an important role in alcohol and tobacco abuse. Moreover, epidemiological and biometrical genetics studies have shown that there is high comorbidity between alcohol and tobacco use, which may be due to overlapping genetic factors. Converging evidence from pharmacological research and the study of mouse models of alcohol- and tobacco-related phenotypes also supports the hypothesis that the same neurological pathways are activated by both substances. Recent evidence has implicated the neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) as critical targets of these drugs. Several nicotinic receptors are known to be involved in mediating the release of dopamine in response to alcohol and nicotine. These receptors (the alpha4-6 and beta2-3 subunits) may play an important role in regulating the dopaminergic reward pathway, which has been strongly implicated in contributing to the pleasurable feelings associated with substance use. This project seeks to examine the genes for the alpha4-6, beta2-3 nAChR subunits for their possible role in contributing to the development of alcohol and tobacco problem use. The candidate will examine these genes in a sample of sibling pairs for which DMA and phenotypic data have already been collected as a part of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The candidate will utilize computational bioinformatics methods to identify potential functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within these genes in order to optimally select the SNPs and determine the genotypes of these in the subjects. Several statistical methods will be used to test for association and/or linkage with individual SNPs or haplotypes and alcohol or tobacco problem use. The skills to perform bioinformatics and statistical genetics will be developed through coursework, symposia, workshops, conferences, and consultations with mentors. Training will take place at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics, a unique environment where the candidate will have regular interactions with experts in behavior genetics and substance use disorders. This project will allow the candidate to achieve her short-term goals of learning computational bioinformatics methods, as well as advanced statistical genetics methods to analyze the data, while accumulating evidence that these genes may contribute to alcohol and tobacco problem use. It will also promote her long-term career goals of establishing an independent research career in behavior genetics of alcohol and tobacco use and provide a foundation for future studies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
1K01AA015336-01A1
Application #
6967037
Study Section
Health Services Research Review Subcommittee (AA)
Program Officer
Ren, Zhaoxia
Project Start
2005-09-15
Project End
2010-08-31
Budget Start
2005-09-15
Budget End
2006-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$128,913
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Colorado at Boulder
Department
Genetics
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
007431505
City
Boulder
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80309
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Sakai, Joseph T; Crowley, Thomas J; Stallings, Michael C et al. (2012) Test of association between 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the oxytocin receptor gene and conduct disorder. Psychiatr Genet 22:99-102
Stephens, Sarah H; Hoft, Nicole R; Schlaepfer, Isabel R et al. (2012) Externalizing behaviors are associated with SNPs in the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 gene cluster. Behav Genet 42:402-14
Hoft, N R; Stitzel, J A; Hutchison, K E et al. (2011) CHRNB2 promoter region: association with subjective effects to nicotine and gene expression differences. Genes Brain Behav 10:176-85
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Sakai, Joseph T; Stallings, Michael C; Crowley, Thomas J et al. (2010) Test of association between GABRA2 (SNP rs279871) and adolescent conduct/alcohol use disorders utilizing a sample of clinic referred youth with serious substance and conduct problems, controls and available first degree relatives. Drug Alcohol Depend 106:199-203
Ehringer, Marissa A; McQueen, Matthew B; Hoft, Nicole R et al. (2010) Association of CHRN genes with ""dizziness"" to tobacco. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 153B:600-609
Saccone, Nancy L; Culverhouse, Robert C; Schwantes-An, Tae-Hwi et al. (2010) Multiple independent loci at chromosome 15q25.1 affect smoking quantity: a meta-analysis and comparison with lung cancer and COPD. PLoS Genet 6:
Hoft, Nicole R; Corley, Robin P; McQueen, Matthew B et al. (2009) Genetic association of the CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 genes with tobacco dependence in a nationally representative sample. Neuropsychopharmacology 34:698-706
Hoft, N R; Corley, R P; McQueen, M B et al. (2009) SNPs in CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 are associated with alcohol consumption in a nationally representative sample. Genes Brain Behav 8:631-7

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