Genes that influence alcohol sensitivity and tolerance
Translational genetic analysis in human and mouse GWAS to identify the genomic architecture of alcohol sensitivity and tolerance
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11189753
This project looks at human and mouse genes to find genetic factors that influence how sensitive people are to alcohol and how quickly they develop tolerance, with attention to African ancestry.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11189753 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Alcohol use disorder is partly driven by genetics, and this work focuses on the specific traits of alcohol sensitivity and tolerance that contribute to risk. Researchers will combine large human genetic studies (GWAS) with matching experiments in mice to find genetic variants linked to these traits. The team will use more focused measures (endophenotypes) rather than broad diagnoses to make genetic signals clearer and will attempt laboratory validation of promising variants in mice. Findings aim to point to biological mechanisms that could guide prevention or new treatments in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of heavy drinking or alcohol use disorder, and especially individuals of African ancestry, would be the most relevant participants or data-contributors for this research.
Not a fit: People who do not drink alcohol or who need immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct or short-term benefits from this genetics-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify genetic targets and biological pathways that help prevent or treat alcohol use problems and enable more personalized risk information.
How similar studies have performed: Previous large GWAS have found some genes related to alcohol use but explained only part of the genetic risk, so combining human and mouse approaches is promising though not yet proven to produce clinical treatments.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAI, DONGBING — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: LAI, DONGBING
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.