Scientists have identified a gene that regulates alcohol consumption which when damaged can make mice drink to excess.
The study found that while normal mice have little or no interest in alcohol, mice with a specific genetic mutation overwhelmingly chose water containing diluted ethanol to make it have roughly the same potency as wine.
They found these mice would even perform tasks to win an alcohol “reward”, and would drink so much they became inebriated.
The research, published today in Nature Communications, may help scientists develop an understanding of alcoholism in humans.
Liver expert Dr Quentin Anstee, from Newcastle University, and joint lead author said: “It’s amazing to think that a small change in the code for just one gene can have such profound effects on complex behaviours like alcohol consumption.
“We are continuing our work to establish whether the gene has a similar influence in humans, though we know that in people alcoholism is much more complicated as environmental factors come into play.
“But there is the real potential for this to guide development of better treatments for alcoholism in the future.”
A consortium of researchers from five UK universities worked at the Medical Research Council’s Mammalian Genetics Unit to introduce subtle mutations into the genetic code at random throughout the genome and tested mice for alcohol preference.
Source: Irish Examiner, 26/11/13
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
