Mitochondrial Genetic Effects on Alcoholism Susceptibility
Author Information
Author(s): Loren R Lease, Deidre A Winnier, Jeff T Williams, Thomas D Dyer, Laura Almasy, Michael C Mahaney
Primary Institution: Youngstown State University
Hypothesis
Maternally inherited mitochondrial genetic effects influence variation in latent class psychiatric/behavioral variables associated with alcoholism.
Conclusion
Mitochondrial genes may contribute to variation in some latent class psychiatric/behavioral variables associated with alcoholism.
Supporting Evidence
- Significant mitochondrial genetic contributions to the variance for two latent class variables were found.
- The mitochondrial genetic component accounts for 14% and 19% of the residual phenotypic variance in CIGPKYRS and CRAVING, respectively.
- Residual additive genetic correlations between the two traits were significant.
Takeaway
This study found that certain genes from the mitochondria, which are inherited from mothers, can affect behaviors related to alcoholism.
Methodology
Statistical genetic analyses using variance decomposition methods on data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism.
Potential Biases
Possible confounding of mitochondrial genetic and non-mitochondrial maternal effects.
Limitations
The study cannot identify specific genes or mechanisms involved in the mitochondrial effects.
Participant Demographics
1,614 individuals, 788 females and 826 males, aged 17–91 years (mean = 40.09 ± 15.2 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002 for CIGPKYRS, 0.004 for CRAVING
Statistical Significance
p < 0.009
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website