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Updated: May 8, 2026
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Sample Preparation to Bioinformatics Analysis of DNA Methylation: Association Strategy for Obesity and Related Trait Studies
Published on: May 6, 2022
Alcohol and the methylome: design and analysis considerations for research using human samples
Nicole Harlaar1, Kent E Hutchison
1University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0345, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Chronic alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) show potential links to DNA methylation changes. However, current research faces significant challenges in sample size, study design, and replication, hindering progress in understanding these epigenetic factors.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Growing research explores the link between chronic alcohol use, alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and epigenetic factors like DNA methylation in human samples.
- Existing literature highlights challenges in designing and interpreting epigenetic research within this context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on DNA methylation in relation to alcohol use and AUDs in human samples.
- To identify and discuss the methodological and scientific challenges in this research area.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies up to July 2013.
- A total of 22 studies examining DNA methylation in human samples concerning alcohol use or AUDs were included in the review.
Main Results:
- Associations between DNA methylation and alcohol use phenotypes have been reported for several genes.
- However, studies are limited by small sample sizes, cross-sectional designs, and rare replication attempts.
- Research is further hampered by technological limitations, methylation pattern specificity, difficulties in establishing functional effects, and limited knowledge of underlying mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- While epigenetics holds promise for understanding AUDs' etiology and pathophysiology, significant methodological and scientific hurdles remain.
- Careful consideration of these challenges is crucial for designing and evaluating future methylomic research in human samples.
