( es exposure to alcohol caused genes to ...)VCU Researchers Identify Networks Of Genes Responding To Alcohol In The Brain

Researchers also determined whether genes with changes in expression had a functional relationship with each other. For example, they determined that many genes regulated by alcohol participated in certain biological pathways, such as the one leading to the production of myelin. Myelin is a form of molecular insulation that allows nerve cells to send impulses to one another more effectively. Such pathways showed different responses to alcohol in one mouse strain versus the other. As a result, Miles and his colleagues were able to formulate new hypotheses about how the brains of the mouse strains responded differently to alcohol.

An additional pathway found to be regulated by alcohol involved a nerve growth factor called Bdnf. Bdnf is found in the brain and is a vital part of nervous system development.

"We found that the interaction between the Bdnf gene and several other genes that interact with Bdnf were all regulated in one region of the brain that is known to play a role in drug addiction," Miles said. "These findings suggest a 'network' of genes that may be a key to understanding drinking behaviors and the mechanisms of alcoholism."

Other studies have suggested that interfering with Bdnf signaling can alter alcohol consumption.

If researchers can identify drugs that may inhibit or activate the function of one of the genes identified in these studies, they may be able to generate new treatments for alcoholism or addiction, Miles said.

"The genes identified in our studies may eventually lead to other studies that can evaluate an individual's risk for becoming an alcoholic or suffering certain complications from alcohol," he said.

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Source:Virginia Commonwealth University