Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Monday, March 26, 2007

NEWS RELEASE -
Sequence variation in the alpha synuclein gene contributes to alcohol craving


Public release date: 26-Mar-2007

Contact: Tatiana M. Foroud, Ph.D.

tforoud@iupui.edu
317-278-1291
Indiana University School of Medicine

Alison Goate, D. Phil.
goate@icarus.wustl.edu
314-362-8691
Washington University, St. Louis

Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research

Sequence variation in the alpha synuclein gene contributes to alcohol craving

  • The protein alpha synuclein (SNCA) plays an important role in the regulation of dopamine function.
  • Craving is a common symptom in alcoholics.
  • New findings show that sequence variation in the gene that encodes SNCA contributes to whether or not an individual craves or does not crave alcohol.
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