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Table 5 Function of Replicated Candidate Gene Products

From: Genetical genomic determinants of alcohol consumption in rats and humans

Correlation with Alcohol Consumption

Gene Symbol

Gene Name and Description

+

Mc4r

Melanocortin 4 receptor; activation by melanocortin (MSH) decreases caloric intake. Mc4r localized on GABA neurons. Mc4r agonist reduced ethanol consumption in association with food consumption [45, 65, 116].

+

Cckbr

Cholecystokinin 2 receptor; Cholecystokinin (CCK) is localized in some GABA interneurons, and activation of Cck2r can facilitate GABA release. CCK is a satiety hormone. Cck2r null mutants show low alcohol consumption [60, 95, 117].

-

Mogat2

= MGAT2

Monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2; esterase affecting mono- and di-acylglycerol.

-

Abat

4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (GABA aminotransferase); GABA degrading enzyme.

-

P2rx4

P2x purinoceptor 4; located on GABA neuron terminals in VTA and is a cation channel for Ca2+. Enhances GABA release by presynaptic action. Inhibited by ethanol [118].

-

Ptpre

Receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase epsilon; inhibits voltage-gated K+ channels on GABA interneurons [62].

+

Afap1l1

Actin filament associated protein; interacts with dynamin, involved in endocytosis.

+

Tubb6

Tubulin B6; cytoplasmic dynein interacts with tubulin, involved in microtubule movement [79].

-

Tnk2

Protein tyrosine kinase Ack; Cdc42-associated kinase, located pre and post synaptically; influences endocytosis [72].

+

F2rl1

Protease-activated receptor 2(PAR2); activates PI3-kinase, activation of Cdc42 required. Increases Ca2+ signaling. In Glu and GABA neurons [75, 76].