Common Genetic Origins for EEG, Alcoholism and Anxiety: The Role of CRH-BP
Author Information
Author(s): Enoch Mary-Anne, Shen Pei-Hong, Ducci Francesca, Yuan Qiaoping, Liu Jixia, White Kenneth V., Albaugh Bernard, Hodgkinson Colin A., Goldman David
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify shared and specific genetic locations affecting EEG power and their association with alcoholism and anxiety disorders.
Conclusion
The study suggests a significant role for the CRH-BP gene in stress-related alcoholism and highlights the resting EEG as an intermediate phenotype for arousal-related behaviors.
Supporting Evidence
- EEG power was found to be heritable and stable over a two-year period.
- Linkage peaks for EEG power converged on chromosome 5q13-14 with significant LOD scores.
- CRH-BP was significantly associated with alpha power in both Plains Indians and a replication sample of Caucasians.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at brain waves in people to see how genes might connect anxiety and drinking problems, finding a gene that seems to play a big role.
Methodology
The study performed a dense whole genome linkage scan using 3878 unlinked SNPs in a large pedigree derived from a population isolate sample of Plains American Indians.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the specific demographic and genetic background of the Plains American Indian population.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific population, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Plains American Indians, with a high prevalence of alcohol use disorders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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