Genome-wide analysis of the nucleus accumbens identifies DNA methylation signals differentiating low/binge from heavy alcohol drinking

Alcohol use disorders encompass a range of drinking levels and behaviors, including low, binge and heavy drinking. In this regard, investigating the neural state of individuals who chronically self-administer lower doses of alcohol may provide insight into mechanisms that prevent the escalation of alcohol use. DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic mechanisms that stabilizes adaptations in gene expression and has been associated with alcohol use. Thus, we investigated DNA methylation, gene expression and the predicted neural effects in the nucleus accumbens of male rhesus macaques categorized as “low” or “binge” drinkers, compared to “alcohol-naïve” and “heavy” drinkers based on drinking patterns during a 12 month alcohol self-administration protocol.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research