title: [The role of genetics in alcohol dependence].
abstract: In this article we examined the heritability of alcohol dependence. A review of family, twin and adoption studies, allowed us to support the thesis of an important genetic component in this dependence. The transmission of this heritability occurs through a biological vulnerability associated to environmental factors, in a model called epigenetic. We also discussed the relationship between biological vulnerability and high-risk phenotypes for alcohol dependence. In the end, we briefly comment on the molecular genetic studies associated with this disorder.
authors.affiliation: Unidade de Pesquisa em Alcool e Drogas, UNIFESP, Brazil. messas@netpoint.com.br
authors.forename: Guilherme Peres
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Messas
authors.forename: Homero Pinto
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Vallada Filho
mesh_terms: D000300:Adoption; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000235:genetics*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics*; D015415:Biomarkers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D018433:Twin Studies as Topic
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers