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.