This application is a request for a NIAAA Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23). Alcoholism is a complex, genetically influenced disorder the cause of which may be better understood through the study of genetically influenced phenotypes that mediate the risk. Alcohol exerts many of its effects via interactions with receptors for the amino acid gamma-aminobutyricacid (GABA), including GABAA receptors, which are formed by the assembly of five subunit proteins and are involved in the reinforcing effects of alcohol. Because differences in sensitivity to alcohol is a risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorders, this study will determine if genetic variation in GABAA -receptor subunit genes mediate, in part, the observed variance in sensitivity to alcohol in a healthy social-drinking population (Specific Aim 1). To test this hypothesis, the time course of subjective and physiological effects obtained repeatedly before and following acute alcohol ingestion will be determined.
Specific Aim 2 will determine if genetic variations in GABAA-receptor subunit genes associated with differences in sensitivity to alcohol (as determined in Specific Aim 1) are also associated with alcohol dependence. This hypothesis will be tested using an established DMA dataset collected from a large population of alcohol-dependent and control subjects. This research will expand our understanding of one possible mechanism by which risk of alcoholism may be transmitted. It is hoped that such knowledge will contribute to future pharmacogenetic approaches in the screening and management of alcohol use disorders. The candidate's career development plan is set in a multidisciplinary environment and includes: conducting mentored research in the project described above, developing expertise in human subjects research techniques, acquiring experience in the application of psychological assessment scales, learning laboratory techniques, and gaining skills in genetic analysis. Although the candidate is a well-trained neuroendocrinologist, she requires mentored training to hone skills as an alcohol researcher with a special interest in human genetics. The candidate's long term career goal is to become an independent clinical investigator in the field of alcohol use disorders with expertise in genetics. Specifically, the candidate aspires to make significant contributions to understanding the multifactorial pathogenesis of alcohol abuse and dependence and its translational application to treating these disorders.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Project #
5K23AA017466-05
Application #
8082592
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAA1-CC (12))
Program Officer
Grandison, Lindsey
Project Start
2008-06-15
Project End
2013-05-31
Budget Start
2011-06-01
Budget End
2012-05-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$147,075
Indirect Cost
Name
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
075307785
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90048
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Reti, Irving M; Xu, Jerry Z; Yanofski, Jason et al. (2011) Monoamine oxidase A regulates antisocial personality in whites with no history of physical abuse. Compr Psychiatry 52:188-94
Uhart, Magdalena; Wand, Gary S (2009) Stress, alcohol and drug interaction: an update of human research. Addict Biol 14:43-64
Campbell, Claudia M; Edwards, Robert R; Carmona, Cheryl et al. (2009) Polymorphisms in the GTP cyclohydrolase gene (GCH1) are associated with ratings of capsaicin pain. Pain 141:114-8