Evidence for genetic linkage to alcohol dependence on chromosomes 4 and 11 from an autosome-wide scan in an American Indian population.

To identify specific genes affecting vulnerability or resistance, we performed a whole-autosomal genome scan for genetic linkage to alcohol dependence in a Southwestern American Indian tribe. Genotypes at 517 autosomal microsatellite loci and clinical evaluations were available for 152 subjects belonging to extended pedigrees and forming 172 sib-pairs. Highly suggestive evidence for linkage emerged for two genomic regions using two- and multipoint sib-pair regression methods; both regions harbored neurogenetic candidate genes. The best evidence is seen with D11S1984 (nominal P = 0.00007, lod approximately equal to 3.1) on chromosome 11p, in close proximity to the DRD4 dopamine receptor and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) genes. Good evidence is seen with D4S3242 (nominal P = 0.0002, lod approximately equal to 2.8) on chromosome 4p, near the beta1 GABA receptor gene. Interestingly, three loci in the alcohol dehydrogenase gene cluster on chromosome 4q showed evidence for linkage with two-point analyses, but not multipoint analysis.