The researchers say that finding a common genetic variation influencing levels of alcohol consumption may lead to a better understanding of mechanisms underlying alcohol drinking behaviour in the general population.
The gene, called “autism susceptibility candidate 2”, or AUTS2, has previously been linked to autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but its function is not known.
Today’s study, by an international consortium led by scientists at Imperial College London and King’s College London, found that there are two versions of the AUTS2 gene, one three times more common than the other. People with the less common version drink on average five per cent less alcohol than people with the more common version. > > > > Read More
