Open AccessSNPs in CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 are associated with alcohol consumption in a nationally representative sample
Author(s) -
Hoft N. R.,
Corley R. P.,
McQueen M. B.,
Huizinga D.,
Menard S.,
Ehringer M. A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
genes, brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1601-183X
pISSN - 1601-1848
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2009.00495.x
Subject(s) - single nucleotide polymorphism , snp , phenotype , alcohol dependence , genetics , alcohol consumption , genome wide association study , biology , gene , alcohol , medicine , genotype , biochemistry
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.