Genetic Links Between Alcoholism and Schizophrenia
Author Information
Author(s): Namkung Junghyun, Kim Youngchul, Park Taesung, Joan E Bailey-Wilson, Laura Almasy, Mariza de Andrade, Julia Bailey, Heike Bickeböller, Heather J Cordell, E Warwick Daw, Lynn Goldin, Ellen L Goode, Courtney Gray-McGuire, Wayne Hening, Gail Jarvik, Brion S Maher, Nancy Mendell, Andrew D Paterson, John Rice, Glen Satten, Brian Suarez, Veronica Vieland, Marsha Wilcox, Heping Zhang, Andreas Ziegler, Jean W MacCluer
Primary Institution: Seoul National University
Hypothesis
Is there a common genetic factor that increases susceptibility to both alcoholism and schizophrenia?
Conclusion
The study identified 13 genes associated with alcoholism that are located in regions linked to schizophrenia, suggesting a genetic connection between the two disorders.
Supporting Evidence
- 489 significant SNPs were identified at the 1% significance level.
- The most significant SNP associated with alcoholism was tsc0593964 on chromosome 7.
- 74 genes were identified from the significant SNPs, with 13 located in schizophrenia susceptibility regions.
Takeaway
Researchers found some genes that might make people more likely to have both alcoholism and schizophrenia, showing that these two problems can be connected in our genes.
Methodology
The study used genome-wide SNP association tests and pedigree disequilibrium tests to analyze genetic data from families.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the methods used for association testing.
Limitations
The significance level used may not be stringent enough for genome-wide tests.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed data from multiplex families, including both affected and unaffected individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.000013
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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