Lack of association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) gene and alcohol dependence

While the physiological mechanisms that contribute to the development of alcohol dependence remain unclear, a number of recent studies have indicated a role for the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) in modulating the response of the central nervous system to ethanol. Based on these data, the present study aims to identify associations between variations in the CRHR1 gene and alcohol dependence in a population of individuals of European ancestry. In order to identify such putative associations, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRHR1 gene were analyzed in 120 alcohol dependent and 180 control subjects. In comparing both allele and genotype frequencies at these five loci between alcohol dependent and control populations, no significant associations between variations in the CRHR1 gene and alcohol dependence were detected. The results of this study suggest that polymorphisms in the CRHR1 gene are not major risk factors for the development of alcohol dependence in persons of European ancestry.