This Gene Limits Desire For Alcohol

Researchers have identified a gene variant that suppresses the desire to drink alcohol, an advance that could lead to development of drugs to regulate liquor consumption. The findings are based on the largest genome wide association meta-analysis and replication study to date, mapping and comparing the genetics of over 105,000 light and heavy social drinkers. The study identified a variation in the bets-Klotho gene linked to the regulation of social alcohol consumption. The less frequent variant – seen in approximately 40% of the people in this study – is associated with a decreased desire to drink alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption is a major public health problem worldwide, causing more than 3 million deaths per year. Researchers worked on beta-Klotho and the liver hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) that binds to the beta-Klotho-FGF21 receptor complex. They conducted experiments in mice to better understand the role of beta-Klotho in alcohol drinking behavior. The beta-Klotho gene directs the production of the beta-Klotho protein that forms part of a receptor complex in the brain. The study could lead to development of drugs to regulate alcohol consumption – possibly even in those with drinking problems. A shift from heavy to moderate social drinking could have major public health benefits, such as reduced cardiovascular disease risk. The study compared the genetics of light and heavy social drinkers of European ancestry participating in nearly four dozen other large population studies worldwide. In addition to providing samples for genetic analysis, the participants answered questionnaires on their weekly drinking habits. Heavy drinking was defined as more than 21 drinks per week for men and over 14 drinks per week for women. Light drinking was considered to be 14 drinks or less per week for men and seven drinks or less per week for women.