SNPs in CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 are associated with alcohol consumption in a nationally representative sample

Genes Brain Behav. 2009 Aug;8(6):631-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1601-183X.2009.00495.x. Epub 2009 Mar 23.

Abstract

The CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 genes have been associated with nicotine dependence and early subjective response to nicotine. Here we present evidence, using a nationally representative sample of adults, that this region is also associated with alcohol behaviors. Six SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) spanning the CHRNB3/A6 genes were analyzed using the statistical genetics software FBAT-PC, which allows one to examine a collection of multiple phenotypes to generate a maximally heritable composite phenotype for each SNP. The six SNPs were tested using FBAT-PC including four alcohol phenotypes: average number of drinks, blackouts, total number of DSM-IV abuse and dependence symptoms endorsed, and quit attempts. Three SNPs in CHRNA6 (rs1072003, P = 0.015; rs892413, P = 0.0033 and rs2304297, P = 0.012) and one SNP in CHRNB3 (rs13280604, P = 0.0053) were associated with a composite of the alcohol phenotypes. The association was primarily driven by the average number of drinks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / genetics*
  • Alcohol Drinking / metabolism
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System / genetics
  • Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System / metabolism
  • Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System / psychology
  • Brain Chemistry / drug effects
  • Brain Chemistry / genetics
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / drug effects
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics*
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / genetics*
  • United States

Substances

  • CHRNA6 protein, human
  • CHRNB3 protein, human
  • Receptors, Nicotinic