Identifying alcoholism vulnerability alleles.
Identification of vulnerability alleles is one starting point for elucidating the web of interactions leading to alcoholism so that treatment and prevention can be improved. Heritability studies indicate that vulnerability alleles exist. Two molecular approaches for identifying them, direct analysis of candidate genes and genetic linkage, are highlighted in this review. Methodological problems that have been partially addressed and limitations for the applicability of the genetic findings are discussed.
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics*; D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics; D015810:Linkage Disequilibrium / Q000235:genetics; D008957:Models, Genetic; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000235:genetics; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors
D005819:Genetic Markers; D007527:Isoenzymes; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase