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The Syntaxin Binding Protein 1 Gene ( Stxbp1 ) Is a Candidate for an Ethanol Preference Drinking Locus on Mouse Chromosome 2
Author(s) -
Fehr Christoph,
Shirley Renee L.,
Crabbe John C.,
Belknap John K.,
Buck Kari J.,
Phillips Tamara J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1097/01.alc.0000164366.18376.ef
Subject(s) - quantitative trait locus , biology , inbred strain , genetics , locus (genetics) , ethanol , gene , biochemistry
Background: We previously mapped a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for ethanol preference drinking to mouse chromosome 2 (mapped with high confidence, LOD = 15.5, p = 3 × 10 −16 ). The specific gene(s) in the QTL interval responsible for phenotypic variation in ethanol preference drinking has not been identified. Methods: In the current study, we investigated the association of the syntaxin binding protein 1 gene ( Stxbp1 ) with ethanol preference drinking and other ethanol traits using a panel of B6 × D2 (BXD) recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from the C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) inbred mouse strains. Confirmation analyses for ethanol consumption and withdrawal were performed using a large B6D2 F 2 cross, short‐term selected lines derived from the B6 and D2 progenitor strains, and standard inbred strains. Results: BXD RI strain analysis detected provisional associations between Stxbp1 molecular variants and ethanol consumption, as well as severity of acute ethanol withdrawal, ethanol‐conditioned taste aversion, and ethanol‐induced hypothermia. Confirmation analyses using three independent genetic models supported the involvement of Stxbp1 in ethanol preference drinking but not in ethanol withdrawal. Conclusions: Stxbp1 encodes a Sec1/Munc18–type protein essential for vesicular neurotransmitter release. The present study provides supporting evidence for the involvement of Stxbp1 in ethanol preference drinking.