SCIENTISTS IN IRELAND have discovered a gene that may be of vital importance when it comes to understanding alcoholism.

The gene in question exists in both humans and fruit flies and was seen to have a similar response in both.

It is thought that the new findings could help develop targeted responses to help tackle issues with alcohol abuse and addiction.

What did they find exactly?

The scientists found that when given alcohol, fruit flies acted in a similar fashion to humans. Lower doses caused them to show signs of dis-inhibition, and higher amounts saw them showing a loss of balance and sedation.

The researchers from Trinity College Dublin found that a protein called ‘Rsu1′ that was present in some flies had a direct link to a preference for alcohol. Those lacking this protein did not develop a preference in the same way as flies with the protein.

These findings were then transferred to human examples.

The ‘Rsu1′ protein was associated with consumption of alcohol in both adolescents and adults.

Evidence was found to support the idea that the gene, which is present in nerve cells, sends messages to and from the brain that impacts on individuals dependence on alcohol.

The research was carried out between the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre in Dallas and Trinity College Dublin’s Institute of Neuroscience and School of Medicine.

Speaking about the results, Dr Arun Bokde, an Assistant Professor from Trinity, said:

The same gene in two different organisms is associated with alcohol behaviours. In this particular study the animal results led to the discovery of the influence of this gene in humans. This study underscores the need to understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning alcohol-related behaviours in humans.

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