Now THIS is interesting

[quesarah]

Health - AP
Gene May Link Alcoholism and Depression

Wed Sep 8, 9:15 AM ET

By CHERYL WITTENAUER, Associated Press Writer

ST. LOUIS - Scientists say they've identified a gene that appears to be linked to both alcoholism and depression, a finding that may one day help identify those at higher risk for the diseases and guide new treatments.

Previous studies of twins and adopted siblings have suggested there likely are genes in common underlying alcoholism and depression, and that the two disorders seem to run in families. But the lead researcher of the new study says this is the first report of a specific gene that seems to increase risk for both disorders.

"Clinicians have observed a connection between these two disorders for years, so we are excited to have found what could be a molecular underpinning for that association," said Alison Goate, the Washington University School of Medicine researcher who led the study.

Follow-up research might help reveal the underlying biology that makes some people susceptible to alcoholism, others to depression, some to both diseases, and others to neither. Goate says a variation or alteration of the CHRM2 gene influences those four separate conditions.

The study is published in the September issue of the journal Human Molecular Genetics.

"What you want is to see someone obtain the same results in an independent study," said Goate, a psychiatric geneticist.

Goate said the researchers will know in a few weeks whether they can replicate the finding from another group of people they're studying.

Peter McGuffin, a psychiatric geneticist at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College in London, said that if Goate's finding holds and is replicated by others, it will provide another potential target for developing new drugs to treat depression and alcoholism.

McGuffin, who said he is working "feverishly" on the genetics of depression, said it is the first time this particular gene has been implicated. He said probably multiple genes are involved in these two disorders.

Alcoholism affects 7.9 million American adults, and 18.8 million suffer from depression, according to the National Institutes of Health (news - web sites).

Goate's team analyzed DNA from 2,310 people from 262 families in which at least three members were alcoholic. Some individuals in these families were also depressed alcoholics. Both groups had similar distinguishing characteristics in their DNA in a region on chromosome 7. Participants with both maladies were most likely to have the genetic similarity.

Within that region of the chromosome, researchers isolated the CHRM2 gene, which is involved in attention, learning, memory and cognition. Goate's team found the gene was strongly associated with both alcoholism and depression. The association was strongest in those with both disorders, suggesting it's a susceptibility gene that puts people at risk for developing both diseases.


Why am I not working on research like this instead of working at a company that sends PR material to my house telling me how awesome the company is and how Lucifer the CEO "personally appreciates" my work and committment? Oh yeah, the paycheck. Crap salaries at academic institutions versus crap corporate culture.

Another thing: R&D and manufacturing are a pretty racially and ethnically diverse group. Our senior management team are all white including the two, count 'em two women in upper level positions. On the cover of our Annual Report is the slogan "Our Growth Culture" with pictures of --wait for it -- a bunch of white guys in suits. Yes, they are representative of a biotech company in Southern California. Riiight. Morons.

Comments

[woe2you.livejournal.com]

"Susceptibility genes"? Ohboy. That would explain a lot. Also, "McGuffin"?

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it just means having this variation of the gene makes it more likely a person will exhibit the disease. This kind of genetics is statistics, so they have no grounds to say "CHRM2 causes alcoholism and depression" but they can say it appears to be associated with the diseases.

I think it's really interesting that the gene in question is involved in attention and memory, given that depressed persons often have trouble with those two skills.

I wonder how much crap the good Dr. McGuffin has endured over the years. Probably lots.

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

Can's say as I'm hugely surprised to read this. Particularly given my entire family going way way back, have all exhibited fairly extreme depression.

Been a lot of suicides and suicide attempts in my family.

[woe2you.livejournal.com]

Yes, but it's all his fault.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

That's interesting. Of course, the most interesting piece of information will come when they have a better idea of what role the variation in CHRM2 has in depression, and can develop more effective treatments.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Clearly. He's the one with the funny name.

[wafflelips.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's some cool science. Neato.

That lame-o crap they sent out pisses me off. Yes, waste lots of time, money, and paper to market the company to people that already work there---after laying off a bunch of people and doing away with job titles, limiting opportunities for advancements and raises, cutting any sort of incentive programs for people other than marketing types, and increasing expectations from employees. Stupid fuckers.