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Dopamine transporter gene polymorphism and alcoholism

T Muramatsu¹, S Higuchi

¹National Institute on Alcoholism, Kurihama National Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

|June 6, 1995

Summary

Researchers found a link between the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) and alcoholism in Japanese individuals. Specifically, the DAT1 7-repeat allele was more common in alcoholics with a specific ALDH2 genotype, suggesting a role for dopamine in alcohol dependence.

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Area of Science:

Neurogenetics
Addiction Psychiatry

Background:

Alcoholism is a complex disorder with genetic and environmental influences.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) deficiency is a known protective factor against alcoholism.
The dopamine system is implicated in reward pathways and addiction.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) polymorphism and alcoholism.
To examine this association within a specific subgroup of alcoholics defined by ALDH2 genotype.

Main Methods:

A case-control study involving 655 Japanese alcoholics.
Genotyping for aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) and dopamine transporter (DAT1) polymorphisms.
Comparison of DAT1 allele frequencies between alcoholics with and without the ALDH2*2 allele, and with control subjects.

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Main Results:

Alcoholics possessing the ALDH2*2 allele (inactive ALDH2) showed a significantly higher frequency of the DAT1 7-repeat allele compared to control subjects.
This finding suggests a potential genetic link between DAT1 and alcoholism in this population.

Conclusions:

The study supports the hypothesis that variations in the dopaminergic system, specifically involving the DAT1 gene, may contribute to the development of alcoholism.
The DAT1 7-repeat allele may represent a risk factor for alcoholism, particularly in individuals with specific ALDH2 genotypes.