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Published on: May 19, 2014
Genes on mouse chromosomes 2 and 9 determine variation in ethanol consumption
T J Phillips1, J K Belknap, K J Buck
1Veterans Administration Medical Center, R&D-32, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, Oregon 97201, USA.
Summary
Researchers identified two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 9 and 2 influencing ethanol consumption in mice. This study helps pinpoint genes related to alcohol addiction by verifying genetic markers for ethanol preference.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping is crucial for identifying genes associated with complex traits like alcohol addiction.
- Rodent models are extensively used to study the genetic underpinnings of ethanol's rewarding and aversive effects, including consumption and preference.
- Previous studies in BXD Recombinant Inbred (RI) strains suggested putative QTLs for free-choice ethanol consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To verify or eliminate previously identified putative QTLs for free-choice ethanol consumption.
- To evaluate the genetic association between ethanol consumption and ethanol-conditioned place preference.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a verification testing strategy with B6D2F2 mice to assess putative ethanol consumption QTLs.
- Combined data from BXD RI, B6D2F2, and short-term selected line (STSL) mapping studies.
- Estimated genetic correlations and compared QTL maps for ethanol consumption and conditioned place preference using BXD RI strain means.
Main Results:
- Verified QTLs for ethanol consumption on Chromosome (Chr) 9 (proximal-mid) and Chr 2 (distal).
- Provided suggestive verification for QTLs on Chrs 2 (proximal), 3, 4, 7, and 15.
- A trend towards genetic correlation between ethanol consumption and conditioned place preference was observed (r = 0.34, p = 0.09), but it was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Confirmed specific QTLs influencing ethanol consumption, advancing the identification of genes related to alcohol addiction.
- Suggests potential, though not statistically significant, shared genetic elements underlying ethanol reward behaviors.
- Highlights the genetic diversity in determinants of ethanol consumption and preference, while indicating possible common genetic influences.
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