title: Review: Genetic research on alcohol use outcomes in African American populations: A review of the literature, associated challenges, and implications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There have been remarkable advances in understanding genetic influences on complex traits; however, individuals of African descent have been underrepresented in genetic research.
  
  
  METHODS
  We review the limitations of existing genetic research on alcohol phenotypes in African Americans (AA) including both twin and gene identification studies, possible reasons for underrepresentation of AAs in genetic research, the implications of the lack of racially diverse samples, and special considerations regarding conducting genetic research in AA populations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is a marked absence of large-scale AA twin studies so little is known about the genetic epidemiology of alcohol use and problems among AAs. Individuals of African descent have also been underrepresented in gene identification efforts; however, there have been recent efforts to enhance representation. It remains unknown the extent to which genetic variants associated with alcohol use outcomes in individuals of European and African descent will be shared. Efforts to increase representation must be accompanied by careful attention to the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic research. This is particularly true for AAs due to the history of abuse by the biomedical community and the persistent racial discrimination targeting this population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lack of representation in genetic studies limits our understanding of the etiological factors that contribute to substance use and psychiatric outcomes in populations of African descent and has the potential to further perpetuate health disparities. Involving individuals of diverse ancestry in discussions about genetic research will be critical to ensure that all populations benefit equally from genetic advances. (Am J Addict 2017;26:486-493).
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.|Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.|Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
authors.forename: Danielle M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Dick
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.|Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barr
authors.affiliation: Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
authors.forename: Mignonne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guy
authors.affiliation: Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
authors.forename: Aashir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nasim
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics and Human Genetics and Alcohol Research Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia.
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000235:genetics*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000235:genetics*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics*; D003256:Community Participation; D036281:Genetic Research; D006801:Humans