Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice
07:31

Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice

Published on: January 7, 2019

Molecular targets of alcohol action: Translational research for pharmacotherapy development and screening

Giorgio Gorini1, Richard L Bell, R Dayne Mayfield

  • 1Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.

Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
|January 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Identifying genetic and protein biomarkers can help develop new treatments for alcohol abuse disorder. Genomics and proteomics offer promising targets for novel pharmacotherapies and interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurobiology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Alcohol abuse and dependence are complex neuropsychiatric disorders influenced by neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors.
  • Genetically influenced intermediate characteristics are implicated in the risk for heavy alcohol consumption and its adverse consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advances in genomics and proteomics for identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets for alcohol abuse disorder.
  • To highlight neurobiological systems, potential pharmacotherapies, and challenges in medication development for alcohol use disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of studies on neurobiological systems, pharmacotherapies, and therapeutic targets.
  • Synthesis of evidence from clinically relevant animal and human studies.
  • Examination of advancements and challenges in genomics and proteomics.

Main Results:

  • Genomics and proteomics offer potential targets for novel therapeutic approaches to alcohol abuse disorder.
  • Identification of reliable biomarkers is crucial for developing effective interventions and pharmacological treatments.
  • Neurobiological systems associated with alcohol dependence are being elucidated through these profiling technologies.

Conclusions:

  • Genomic and proteomic profiling technologies hold significant promise for advancing medication development for alcohol abuse and dependence.
  • Further research is needed to overcome challenges and fully leverage these technologies for clinical applications.
  • Targeting identified neurobiological systems may lead to more effective treatments for alcohol use disorders.

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