Mapping genes linked to alcohol use and drinking behavior
Leveraging GWAS Findings to Map Variants and Identify Novel Effector Genes for Alcohol-Related Traits
This project looks for specific genes and DNA changes that help explain why some adults develop heavy drinking or alcohol problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261633 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will start with genetic findings from large studies of alcohol use and look for which DNA changes fall in open, active parts of the genome in brain cells. They will use human stem-cell derived neurons grown in the lab and high-resolution DNA interaction maps to connect those changes to the genes they control. Promising genes will be tested in fruit fly models and by deleting nearby DNA regions in human neurons to see how gene activity and alcohol-related responses change. Finally, the team will check health records and genetic data in several biobanks to see whether the same genes link to drinking patterns or alcohol problems in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a history of heavy drinking, binge drinking, or diagnosed alcohol use disorder are the groups whose experiences and donated samples most directly relate to this work.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate new treatment or clinical therapy should not expect direct benefit from this laboratory and genetics-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific genes and biological paths that explain risk for harmful drinking and guide future treatments or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Large genetic studies have found many risk variants for alcohol traits, but mapping those variants to causal genes and proving their function is relatively new and still being developed.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kranzler, Henry Richard — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kranzler, Henry Richard
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.