Promising pharmacogenetic targets for treating alcohol use disorder: evidence from preclinical models

Pharmacogenomics. 2017 Apr;18(6):555-570. doi: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0193. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

Abstract

Inherited genetic variants contribute to risk factors for developing an alcohol use disorder, and polymorphisms may inform precision medicine strategies for treating alcohol addiction. Targeting genetic mutations linked to alcohol phenotypes has provided promising initial evidence for reducing relapse rates in alcoholics. Although successful in some studies, there are conflicting findings and the reports of adverse effects may ultimately limit their clinical utility, suggesting that novel pharmacogenetic targets are necessary to advance precision medicine approaches. Here, we describe promising novel genetic variants derived from preclinical models of alcohol consumption and dependence that may uncover disease mechanisms that drive uncontrolled drinking and identify novel pharmacogenetic targets that facilitate therapeutic intervention for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.

Keywords: K+ channels; RAS signaling; alcohol use disorder; neuroimmune genes; pharmacogenetics; preclinical models; tachykinins.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Models, Animal*
  • Mutation
  • Neuroimmunomodulation / genetics
  • Pharmacogenomic Testing*
  • Pharmacogenomic Variants*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Precision Medicine

Substances

  • Potassium Channels