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Polymorphisms in the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3/DAT1) and alcohol dependence in humans: a systematic review
Carmen S van der Zwaluw1, Rutger C M E Engels, Jan Buitelaar
1Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. c.vanderzwaluw@bsi.ru.nl
Abstract:
Dopamine neurotransmission has been a key player in attempts to identify genetic factors involved in alcohol dependence. The dopamine transporter terminates dopaminergic neurotransmission, making the gene encoding the transporter (SLC6A3/DAT1) an attractive candidate in clinical studies on alcohol dependence. We conducted a systematic review of 18 studies examining associations between polymorphisms in DAT1 and alcohol dependence. The DAT1 variable number tandem repeat, the most frequent studied polymorphism in DAT1, did not show a direct association with alcohol dependence in general. Several, but not all, studies found that the DAT1 variable number tandem repeat (9-repeat allele) was associated with alcohol-withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures and delirium tremens. We discuss shortcomings, such as lack of power and disregarding moderating variables, as well as future challenges of gene association studies.
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