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The Role of GABRA2 in Alcohol Dependence, Smoking, and Illicit Drug Use in an Australian Population Sample 

Background: Multiple studies have shown that genetic variation in the α-2 subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor (GABRA2) is associated with risk for alcohol dependence. Recent reports have suggested that GABRA2 may exert its influence on dependence through factors such as sensitivity to alcohol's intoxicating effects and that GABRA2 may also contribute to a common underlying genetic vulnerability to both alcohol and drug dependence. The present study tested for association between GABRA2 and alcohol dependence, smoking, and illicit drug use within the Australian population. . . .

Conclusions: The GABRA2 allelic associations found in clinical case–control studies have detectable but minor effects on DSM-defined alcohol dependence in the general community. Systematic comparisons of allelic effects on alcohol dependence in clinical cases and in the general community are required.

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