science top stories popular news  

Daily non-political popular news in brief.

Sequence variation in the alpha synuclein gene contributes to alcohol craving

03-26-2007 · EurekAlert!

The protein alpha synuclein (SNCA) plays an important role in the regulation of dopamine function. Craving is a common symptom in alcoholics.New findings show that sequence variation in the gene that encodes SNCA contributes to whether or not an individual craves or does not crave alcohol.

Read more »

Keywords: sequence, variation, alpha, synuclein, gene, contributes, alcohol, craving, contribute

« Previous | Next »

Similar news on "Sequence variation in the alpha synuclein gene contributes to alcohol craving":

  1. The G allele of the mu-opioid receptor gene is linked to craving for alcohol
    01-03-2007 · EurekAlert!
    Alcohol-use disorders have a significant genetic component to their development. New findings show that heavy drinkers with the G allele of the A118G polymorphism of the mu-opioid receptor gene have greater cravings after alcohol exposure than heavy drinkers homozygous for the A allele. Individuals with the G allele may have more problems resisting the urge to drink.
    Similar news · Read more »
  2. GABRA2 genotype may moderate alcohol-psychotherapy outcomes
    10-24-2007 · EurekAlert!
    Previous studies have shown that the GABRA2 gene is related to the risk for alcohol dependence. New research goes one step further, looking at how variation in the GABRA2 gene may affect drinking behavior over time and how people respond to alcohol treatment. Variation in GABRA2 can modify overall drinking behavior, and may also have an impact on the success of certain types of psychotherapy used to treat alcohol dependence.
    Similar news · Read more »
  3. Bats add their voice to the FOXP2 story
    09-18-2007 · EurekAlert!
    A new study, undertaken by a joint of team of British and Chinese scientists, has found that this gene shows unparalleled variation in echolocating bats. The results, appearing in a study published in the online, open-access journal PLoS ONE on Sept. 19, report that FOXP2 sequence differences among bat lineages correspond well to contrasting forms of echolocation.
    Similar news · Read more »
  4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug increases liver damage in mice carrying mutant human gene
    11-15-2006 · EurekAlert!
    Research performed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis sheds light on the mechanisms that contribute to liver disease in alpha-1-AT deficiency patients. People with alpha-1-deficiency have a genetic mutation that can lead to emphysema at an early age and to liver damage. Using an experimental mouse model of the disorder, the researchers investigated the effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on liver injury.
    Similar news · Read more »
  5. New Alzheimer's findings: High stress and genetic risk factor lead to increased memory decline
    08-27-2007 · EurekAlert!
    High stress levels may contribute to memory loss among people at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. The е4 variant of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene contributes to the risk for memory loss related to Alzheimer's disease.
    Similar news · Read more »
  6. Largest genomic search finds genes that may contribute to autism
    02-18-2007 · EurekAlert!
    An international team of researchers from 19 countries has identified one gene and previously unidentified region of another chromosome as the location of another gene that may contribute to a child's chances of having autism.
    Similar news · Read more »
  7. OCT1 required for therapeutic effects of diabetes drug Metformin
    05-01-2007 · EurekAlert!
    Metformin is among the most widely prescribed drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Mouse and human studies led by Kathleen Giacomini from the University of California, San Francisco, and reported in the May 1 issue of the JCI indicate that organic cation transporter 1 is important in mediating the therapeutic effects of metformin and that genetic variation in OCT1 in diabetics may contribute to the varied patient responses to this drug.
    Similar news · Read more »
  8. Alcoholism and bad neighborhoods: a 2-way street
    08-27-2007 · EurekAlert!
    A bad neighborhood is known to contribute to the development and maintenance of an individual's alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. A first-of-its kind study shows that alcohol problems may also lead an individual to live in a bad neighborhood.
    Similar news · Read more »
  9. Health-care delivery contributes to racial disparity in colorectal cancer
    12-21-2006 · EurekAlert!
    A study reveals that differences in utilization of screening tests and surgical treatment may contribute to poorer colorectal cancer survival rates in African-Americans.
    Similar news · Read more »
  10. Genetic mutation increases risk of preterm birth
    02-01-2008 · EurekAlert!
    Genetic mutations in the Toll-like receptor 4 gene appear to have significant association with inflammatory injury to the placenta and developing baby, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences report. "This indicates a possible genetic predisposition to a kind of misfire in immune system response that could contribute to placental inflammation and spontaneous preterm birth," researchers said.
    Similar news · Read more »