New study identifies gene variant linked to compulsive drinking

NIH | JULY 22, 2015

Carrying a gene variant that affects the release of a specific brain protein may put one at greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder, according to the results of a recent animal study.

Scientists found that mice carrying the Met68BDNF gene variant, which reduces the release of brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF) factor, would consume excessive amounts of alcohol, despite negative consequences. BDNF plays a role in the survival of existing neurons and the growth of new neurons and synapses, the junctures through which cell-to-cell communication occurs.

The human form of this gene variant, Met66BDNF, leads to a reduction in the normal function of BDNF in the brain and is associated with several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression.

Significantly, researchers were able to reverse compulsive alcohol drinking in the mice using gene delivery and pharmacology. Increasing levels of BDNF in the ventromedial portion of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in compulsive drug and alcohol seeking, returned the mice to moderate levels of alcohol intake.

In addition, by administering a pharmaceutical compound developed to mimic the action of BDNF, researchers were also able to put a stop to compulsive drinking behaviors. This compound (LM22A-4) may have potential as a therapeutic for humans. It appears to reduce compulsive alcohol drinking without a generalized effect on motivation.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Designing more effective opioids

Researchers used computer simulations to screen millions of molecules for opioid-like pain-relieving properties. The analyses allowed scientists to create a molecule that effectively alleviates pain in mice, but with fewer side effects than the opioid morphine.

Scientists Discover Bees Can Count Using Only Four Brain Cells

Scientists have found that Bee may be able to count using only four nerve cells as their brains have evolved to be very energy efficient.

Clues found on how soils may respond to climate change

Rock core samples from a period of warming millions of years ago indicate that soils contributed to a rapid rise in atmospheric greenhouse gases and suggest that modern climate models may overestimate Earth's ability to mitigate future warming, according to an international team of scientists.

Golden Bananas High in Pro-Vitamin A Developed

Researchers succeeded to develop bananas high in pro-vitamin A in Uganda. Thanks to the new study, farmers in the African nation will be growing such vitamin-rich bananas in 2021.

Researchers identify method to verify if children fasted before medical testing

Testing the blood for free fatty acids could help doctors verify if children fasted before undergoing tests for diabetes or other medical conditions.

Major study reveals Great Barrier Reef’s 30,000-year fight for survival

A landmark international study shows that the Great Barrier Reef has suffered 5 death events in the last 30,000 years. The groundbreaking study of the world’s largest reef system reveals that these events were driven mostly by variations in sea level and associated environmental changes.