The Role of GABRA2 in Alcohol Dependence, Smoking, and Illicit Drug Use in an Australian Population Sample

Abstract

Background-Multiple studies have shown that genetic variation in the α-2 subunit of the GABA-A receptor (GABRA2) is associated with risk for alcohol dependence. Recent reports have suggested that GABRA2 may exert its influence on dependence through factors such as sensitivity to alcohol's intoxicating effects and that GABRA2 may also contribute to a common underlying genetic vulnerability to both alcohol and drug dependence. The present study tested for association between GABRA2 and alcohol dependence, smoking and illicit drug use within the Australian population.

Mechanisms in the relation between GABRA2 and adolescent externalizing problems

“…There is some inconsistency regarding which is the risk allele/haplotype from these yin–yang haplotypes and SNPs within them. For example, for the well-studied polymorphism, rs279858 (see “Methods” for more detail), some studies found that the major (A) allele predicted risk for externalizing-related problems [15, 20, 28]. However, others found that the minor (G) allele predicted risk for externalizing phenotypes such as conduct and alcohol problems in predominantly Caucasian samples [12, 16, 23, 24, 29].…”

Association of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid A Receptor α2 Gene (GABRA2) with Alcohol Use Disorder

“…These studies were then filtered to ensure conformity with the inclusion criteria. One study (Lind et al, 2008) was excluded because it investigated families comprised of monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs; one study (Khan et al, 2009) was excluded because the definition of alcoholism was based on alcohol consumption only; and four studies (Agrawal et al, 2006;Dick et al, 2005Dick et al, , 2006Edenberg et al, 2004) were excluded because the data were not made available after we contacted the authors to request access to the data. In the end, 27 studies (Chang et al, 2002;Covault et al, 2004Covault et al, , 2008Enoch et al, 2009;Fehr et al, 2006;Foley et al, 2004;Han et al, 2008;Hsu et al, 1998;Lappalainen et al, 2005;Li et al, 2002;Lin et al, 2003;Loh et al, 1999Loh et al, , 2000Loh et al, , 2007Lydall et al, 2011;Nishiyama et al, 2005;Onori et al, 2010;Park et al, 2006;Sander et al, 1999;Soyka et al, 2008) met our criteria for inclusion (Supplementary Table 3).…”

Behavioral genetics in antisocial spectrum disorders and psychopathy: A review of the recent literature

“…Reuter and colleagues reported on a novel association between dopamine-and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of relative molecular mass 32 kDa (DARPP-32) and scores on a measure of anger (Reuter, Weber, Fiebach, Elger, & Montag, 2009). GABA receptors have been of some interest to researchers in the area of SUDs (Lind et al, 2008a(Lind et al, , 2008bPhilibert et al, 2009) and have been implicated in antisocial spectrum disorders Sakai et al, 2009) as well. SNAP25 (located on 20p), mentioned in the genome-wide studies described above, has been examined as a possible risk factor for behavioral disorders such as ADHD using candidate gene approaches (Corradini, Verderio, Sala, Wilson, & Matteoli, 2009;Faraone et al, 2005), but it is likely to exert influence in concert with other biological and environmental factors (Corradini et al, 2009).…”