Problematic alcohol use associates with sodium channel and clathrin linker 1 (SCLT1) in trauma‐exposed populations

Abstract

Excessive alcohol use is extremely prevalent in the United States, particularly among trauma‐exposed individuals. While several studies have examined genetic influences on alcohol use and related problems, this has not been studied in the context of trauma‐exposed populations. We report results from a genome‐wide association study of alcohol consumption and associated problems as measured by the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) in a trauma‐exposed cohort. Results indicate a genome‐wide significant association between total AUDIT score and rs1433375 [N = 1036, P = 2.61 × 10−8 (dominant model), P = 7.76 × 10−8 (additive model)], an intergenic single‐nucleotide polymorphism located 323 kb upstream of the sodium channel and clathrin linker 1 (SCLT1) at 4q28. rs1433375 was also significant in a meta‐analysis of two similar, but independent, cohorts (N = 1394, P = 0.0004), the Marine Resiliency Study and Systems Biology PTSD Biomarkers Consortium. Functional analysis indicated that rs1433375 was associated with SCLT1 gene expression and cortical‐cerebellar functional connectivity measured via resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Together, findings suggest a role for sodium channel regulation and cerebellar functioning in alcohol use behavior. Identifying mechanisms underlying risk for problematic alcohol use in trauma‐exposed populations is critical for future treatment and prevention efforts.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Oct 30, 2017
Source ID
10.1111/adb.12569

Entities

People

  • Adam X. Maihofer
  • Adriana Lori
  • Alicia K. Smith
  • Bekh Bradley
  • Caroline M Nievergelt
  • Charles R. Marmar
  • Dewleen G Baker
  • Duna Abu‐amara
  • Feng Hao
  • Jacquelyn L. Meyers
  • Jaemin Shin
  • Janine D. Flory
  • Jennifer M. Leveille
  • Karen N. Conneely
  • Karestan C. Koenen
  • Kerry J. Ressler
  • Kimberly Kerley
  • Kristina B. Mercer
  • Lynn M. Almli
  • Negar Fani
  • Rachel Yehuda

Organizations

  • Emory University
  • Georgia State University
  • Harvard Medical School
  • Harvard University
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute
  • National Center for Research Resources
  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse
  • New York University
  • State University of New York
  • United States Department of Defense
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • University of California, San Diego
  • VA San Diego Healthcare System

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.
  • Women's Health and Cancer Risk Research: African American Women and Pregnancy Outcomes.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology