nih-gov/www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-researchers-identify-ocd-risk-gene
2025-02-26 13:17:41 -05:00

1277 lines
48 KiB
Text
Raw Permalink Blame History

This file contains invisible Unicode characters

This file contains invisible Unicode characters that are indistinguishable to humans but may be processed differently by a computer. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

This file contains Unicode characters that might be confused with other characters. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#">
<head>
<!-- Google Tag Manager -->
<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MP7S353');</script>
<!-- End Google Tag Manager -->
<meta charset="utf-8" />
<meta name="description" content="Scientists at the National Institutes of Healths (NIH) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have identified a previously unknown gene variant that doubles an individuals risk for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The new functional variant, or allele, is a component of the serotonin transporter gene ( SERT), site of action for the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are todays mainstay medications for OCD, other anxiety disorders, and depression." />
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-researchers-identify-ocd-risk-gene" />
<meta name="google-site-verification" content="D6PddlP4x_B-aaYH1GdtXWLMtqqDRm1KB76zwXU94r0" />
<meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" />
<meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" />
<meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" />
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
<meta http-equiv="x-ua-compatible" content="ie=edge" />
<link rel="icon" href="/sites/default/themes/solstice/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="und" href="https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-researchers-identify-ocd-risk-gene" />
<title>NIH Researchers Identify OCD Risk Gene | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_3jqSjunUwI7WktROG0Eute4UvTfE7JnUEOI-esMGxkQ.css?delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=solstice&amp;include=eJxFyUEOgCAMRNELoZypyEiIhRqnRrm9Lkxc_vc56GgxCRFoSq8LYlFLohN9aO3l99W6ywVaQ8Dt79xiPs5ddP7yAeDrH1E" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_284cOjFlGt6BbVNygt8wCcMAVOImI5Qo3eLcYPtTvXw.css?delta=1&amp;language=en&amp;theme=solstice&amp;include=eJxFyUEOgCAMRNELoZypyEiIhRqnRrm9Lkxc_vc56GgxCRFoSq8LYlFLohN9aO3l99W6ywVaQ8Dt79xiPs5ddP7yAeDrH1E" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_Ki7WmdMheyToDR_iZ4-TUWAd6Z_Ji9D5oheAUfVPDGQ.css?delta=2&amp;language=en&amp;theme=solstice&amp;include=eJxFyUEOgCAMRNELoZypyEiIhRqnRrm9Lkxc_vc56GgxCRFoSq8LYlFLohN9aO3l99W6ywVaQ8Dt79xiPs5ddP7yAeDrH1E" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_ZURahwWpOtPq2J3aEz1C3IyNMbNi6vxbJc3xYRtyniA.css?delta=3&amp;language=en&amp;theme=solstice&amp;include=eJxFyUEOgCAMRNELoZypyEiIhRqnRrm9Lkxc_vc56GgxCRFoSq8LYlFLohN9aO3l99W6ywVaQ8Dt79xiPs5ddP7yAeDrH1E" />
</head>
<body class="page-node-349 path-node page-node-type-news body">
<!-- Google Tag Manager (noscript) -->
<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MP7S353"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden" title="hhsgtmcontainer"></iframe></noscript>
<!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) -->
<a href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable">
Skip to main content
</a>
<div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas>
<section class="usa-banner">
<section class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official website of the United States government">
<div class="usa-accordion">
<header class="usa-banner__header">
<div class="usa-banner__inner">
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<img aria-hidden="true" class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/sites/default/themes/solstice/assets/uswds/img/us_flag_small.png" alt=""/>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto" aria-hidden="true">
<p class="usa-banner__header-text">
An official website of the United States government
</p>
<p class="usa-banner__header-action">Heres how you know</p>
</div>
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default-default">
<span class="usa-banner__button-text">Heres how you know</span>
</button>
</div>
</header>
<div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default-default" hidden>
<div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg">
<div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6">
<img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/sites/default/themes/solstice/assets/uswds/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true"/>
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
<p>
<strong>Official websites use .gov</strong><br/>A
<strong>.gov</strong>
website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6">
<img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/sites/default/themes/solstice/assets/uswds/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true"/>
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
<p>
<strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong><br/>A
<strong>lock</strong>
(
<span class="icon-lock">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewbox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-description-default" focusable="false">
<title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title>
<desc id="banner-lock-description-default">Locked padlock icon</desc>
<path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z"/>
</svg>
</span>) or
<strong>https://</strong>
means youve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
</section>
<div class="usa-overlay" id="overlay" aria-hidden="true"></div>
<header class="usa-header usa-header--extended" id="header" role="banner">
<div class="region region-header usa-navbar">
<div class="usa-logo site-logo" id="logo">
<em class="usa-logo__text">
<a class="logo-img" href="/" accesskey="1" title="Home" aria-label="Home">
<img src="/sites/default/themes/solstice/niaaa-logo.png" alt="Home" />
</a>
</em>
</div>
<button class="usa-menu-btn" type="button">Menu</button>
</div>
<nav class="usa-nav" role="navigation">
<div class="usa-nav__inner">
<button type="button" class="usa-nav__close">
<img src="/sites/default/themes/solstice/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons/close.svg" alt="close"/>
</button>
<ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion">
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item flex-fill">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-nav-section-1">
<span>Alcohol&#039;s Effects on Health</span>
</button>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu" hidden="" >
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/alcohols-effects-health" title="Alcohol&#039;s Effects on Health" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5491">Alcohol&#039;s Effects on Health</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics-a-to-z" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/10109">Alcohol Topics</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5011">Getting Help</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/13706">Alcohol Facts and Statistics</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/niaaa-short-takes-video-series" class="link">NIAAA Short Takes Video Series</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-interventions-young-adults" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/12656">Alcohol Interventions for Young Adults</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/niaaa-publications-order-form" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5266">Order Publications</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item flex-fill">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-nav-section-2">
<span>Health Professionals &amp; Communities</span>
</button>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu" hidden="" >
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/health-professionals-communities" title="Health Professionals &amp; Communities" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5526">Health Professionals &amp; Communities</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/health-professionals-communities/native-air" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/15486">Native Communities: Alcohol Intervention Review (NativeAIR)</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/12236">The Healthcare Professional&#039;s Core Resource on Alcohol</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/CollegeAIM/Default.aspx" class="link">Resources from the NIAAA College Task Force</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/health-professionals-communities/alcohol-interventions-young-adults-healthcare-professionals" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/12661">Alcohol Interventions for Young Adults</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/publications/clinical-guides-and-manuals/alcohol-screening-and-brief-intervention-youth" class="link">Alcohol Screening &amp; Brief Intervention for Youth</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/publications/surveillance-reports" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/12301">Surveillance Reports</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/health-professionals-communities#additional-reports" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5526">Additional Reports and Resources</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item flex-fill">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-nav-section-3">
<span>Research</span>
</button>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu" hidden="" >
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research" title="Research" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/83">Research</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research/major-initiatives" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/112">Major Research Initiatives</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/extramural-research" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1115">Extramural Research Program</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research/division-intramural-clinical-and-biological-research" class="link">Intramural Research Program</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research/alcohol-research-resource-r24-and-r28-awards" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3531">Alcohol Research Resource (R24) Awards</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research/niaaa-sbir" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5556">NIAAA SBIR/ STTR Program</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research/data-archive-and-resources" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/15236">Data Archive and Resources</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item flex-fill">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-nav-section-4">
<span>Research Training</span>
</button>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-4" class="usa-nav__submenu" hidden="" >
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research-training-and-career-development" title="Research Training" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3546">Research Training</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research/research-training-and-career-development/training-opportunities-education-level" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3556">Training Grants by Eligibility</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research/research-training-and-career-development/training-opportunities-grant-mechanism" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3561">Training Grants by Mechanism</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/training-resources" class="link">Research Training Programs</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/research-training-and-career-development/centers-and-training-working-group-roster" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3551">Centers and Training Working Group Roster</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item flex-fill">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-nav-section-5">
<span>Grants &amp; Funding</span>
</button>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-5" class="usa-nav__submenu" hidden="" >
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/grant-funding" title="Grants &amp; Funding" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/84">Grants &amp; Funding</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/application-process" class="link">How to Apply for a Grant</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/funding-opportunities" class="link">Funding Opportunities</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/grant-funding/management-reporting" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/166">Management &amp; Reporting</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item flex-fill">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-nav-section-6">
<span>News &amp; Events</span>
</button>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-6" class="usa-nav__submenu" hidden="" >
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events" title="News &amp; Events" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/47">News &amp; Events</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/news" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5521">News</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/meetings-events-exhibits" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5525">Events</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/press-room" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/636">Press Room</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/niaaa-social-media" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/11396">Social Media</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="https://www.spectrum.niaaa.nih.gov/" class="link">Spectrum</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item flex-fill">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-nav-section-7">
<span>About NIAAA</span>
</button>
<ul id="basic-nav-section-7" class="usa-nav__submenu" hidden="" >
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-niaaa" title="About NIAAA" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/86">About NIAAA</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/advisory-council" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/181">NIAAA Advisory Council</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-niaaa/strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2024-2028" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/14961">Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 20242028</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/our-work" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/176">Our Work</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-niaaa/our-funding" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/189">Our Funding</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/our-staff" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/190">Our Staff</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-niaaa/career-and-training-opportunities" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/191">Careers &amp; Training</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-niaaa/contact-us" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/201">Contact Us</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/our-work/history-niaaa" class="link">History</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class='usa-nav__secondary top-search-bar'>
<ul class="usa-nav__secondary-links">
<li class="usa-nav__secondary-item">
<a href="/join-study" title="" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/153">Join a Clinical Study</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__secondary-item">
<a href="/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/health-topics-treatment-alcohol-problems" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/13376">Getting Help</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__secondary-item">
<a href="/our-work/donations-niaaa" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/540">Donate</a>
</li>
</ul>
<form action="/search" method="get" id="views-exposed-form-acquia-search-page" accept-charset="UTF-8" class="usa-search usa-search--small" role="search">
<label class="usa-sr-only" for="extended-search-field-small">Search</label>
<input class="usa-input" id="extended-search-field-small" maxlength="128" type="search" name="search"/>
<button class="usa-button" type="submit">
<span class="usa-sr-only">Search</span>
<svg class="usa-icon" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" role="img">
<use xlink:href="/sites/default/themes/solstice/assets/uswds/img/sprite.svg#search"></use>
</svg>
</button>
</form>
</div>
</div>
</nav>
</header>
<div class="above-content">
<div>
<div class="page-banner">
<div class="l-inner">
<p class="h1 heading-1 text-reverse">News & Events</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="block-solstice-breadcrumbs">
<div class="breadcrumb-container">
<nav role="navigation" class="usa-breadcrumb usa-breadcrumb--wrap" aria-labelledby="system-breadcrumb">
<h2 id="system-breadcrumb" class="usa-sr-only">Breadcrumb</h2>
<ol class="usa-breadcrumb__list">
<li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item">
<a href="/" class="usa-breadcrumb__link">Home</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item">
<a href="/news-events" class="usa-breadcrumb__link">News &amp; Events</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item">
<a href="/news-events/news-releases" class="usa-breadcrumb__link">News Releases</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item">
NIH Researchers Identify OCD Risk Gene
</li>
</ol>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
<div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="usa-section">
<div class="main--container">
<div class="grid-row grid-gap">
<main class="main--content grid-col" id="main-content">
<div id="block-solstice-content">
<article>
<div class="content-river">
<div>
<h1>
<span>NIH Researchers Identify OCD Risk Gene</span>
</h1>
<div class="news-type">News Release</div>
<p><time datetime="2006-03-29T12:00:00Z">Wednesday, March 29, 2006</time>
</p>
<p>Scientists at the National Institutes of Healths (NIH) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have identified a previously unknown gene variant that doubles an individuals risk for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The new functional variant, or allele, is a component of the serotonin transporter gene ( SERT), site of action for the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are todays mainstay medications for OCD, other anxiety disorders, and depression.</p>
<p>“Improved knowledge of SERTs role in OCD raises the possibility of improved screening, treatment, and medications development for that disorder,” said Ting-Kai Li, M.D., Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “It also provides an important clue to the neurobiologic basis of OCD and the compulsive behaviors often seen in other psychiatric diseases, including alcohol dependence.”</p>
<p>Approximately 2 percent of U.S. adults (3.3 million people) have OCD, the fourth most prevalent mental health disorder in the United States. Individuals with OCD have intrusive, disturbing thoughts or images (obsessions) and perform rituals (compulsions) to prevent or banish those thoughts. Many other individuals demonstrate obsessive-compulsive behaviors that do not meet OCD diagnostic criteria but alter the individuals lives.</p>
<p>Drs. David Goldman, Chief, and Xianzhang Hu, Research Scientist, in NIAAAs Laboratory of Neurogenetics discovered the linkage aided by new functional analyses of the SERT genetic variant. The researchers first compared the genotypes of 169 OCD patients to those of 253 controls in a large U.S. patient population [i] and found that the OCD patients were twice as likely to have the variant. Then they studied transmission and non-transmission of the variant in a Canadian population [ii] of 175 OCD parent-child trios (two healthy parents and a child with OCD) and found that the risk variant was twice as likely to be transmitted from a parent to a child with OCD. Specifically, of 86 informative trios, 48 children carried the new risk variant and 26 did not.</p>
<p>“Whereas most genetic diseases are caused by variations that lead to reduced gene function, we found that a common SERT variant that increases SERT activity also increases risk for OCD,” said Dr. Goldman. The same research team previously identified a rare gain-of-function variant at a different location in SERT. It, too, is linked to OCD but has been studied only in two families with a severe, treatment-resistant form of the disease. “That earlier study suggested that we should test the common gain-of-function variant for OCD linkage,” Goldman said.</p>
<p>The new variant is located at a well-recognized site in the SERT gene. Also known as HTTLPR, the site is the most heavily studied polymorphic site (those that may display differing DNA sequences) in psychiatric genetics. For years, HTTLPR has been known to have two variants--S and L--that alter expression of the SERT gene and are common across all human populations. The loss-of-function S variant exerts a small effect on a persons risk for anxiety, depression, and suicidality, especially in response to environmental stressors. The S allele exerts a larger effect on the intermediate neurobiology of anxiety and depression, specifically, by disrupting the structure and functional coupling of key brain regions. The gain-of-function L allele, on the other hand, enhances SERT activity and functional coupling. The current study differentiates the L variant into two--LA and LG--and shows that LA exerts a greater influence on SERT expression.</p>
<p>“The gain-of-function L alleles appear to inhibit connections between emotion and repetitive behaviors and such executive brain functions as task-switching,” Goldman said. “These neurobiology relationships should be further tested in combined genetic-neuroimaging studies.”</p>
<p>Serotonin Transporter Promoter Gain-of-Function Genotypes Are Linked to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder appears in the current online version of the American Journal of Human Genetics at <a href="http://www.ajhg.org">www.ajhg.org</a>. It will be published in the May 2006 print issue (Volume 78, Number 5). For an interview with Dr. Goldman, please contact the NIAAA Press Office: 301-443-3860.</p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong><p>
<p>[i] Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Case Control Study, conducted by Dennis Murphy, M.D., Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health<br>
[ii] The Toronto OCD Parent/Child Trio Study, conducted by James L. Kennedy, M.D. , Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto</p>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
<div id="block-newsreleasecontact">
<div class="contact-info content-river">
<div><div class="contact-info content-river l-skinny">
<p><strong>About the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA):</strong><br>
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health, is the primary U.S. agency for conducting and supporting research on the causes, consequences, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of alcohol use disorder. NIAAA also disseminates research findings to general, professional, and academic audiences. Additional alcohol research information and publications are available at&nbsp;<a href="/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">www.niaaa.nih.gov</a>.</p>
<p><strong>About the National Institutes of Health (NIH):</strong><br>
NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.nih.gov</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Contact info</strong>:<br>
NIAAA Press Office<br>
301-443-2857<br>
<a href="mailto:NIAAAPressOffice@mail.nih.gov">NIAAAPressOffice@mail.nih.gov</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</main>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--big" role="contentinfo">
<div class="usa-footer__return-to-top return-to-top-stick">
<a href="#">Return to top</a>
</div>
<div class="usa-footer__primary-section">
<div class="usa-footer__primary-content">
<div class="grid-container">
<div class="grid-row grid-gap">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-8">
<nav class="usa-footer__nav" aria-label="Footer navigation">
<div class="grid-row grid-gap-4">
<div id="block-footermenu" class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col">
<section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible">
<h4 class="usa-footer__primary-link">NIAAA</h4>
<ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled">
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="/sitemap" title="" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="sitemap">Site Map</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="/about-niaaa/contact-us" title="" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/201">Contact Us</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="/disclaimer" title="" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/616">Disclaimer</a>
</li>
</ul>
</section>
</div>
<div id="block-solstice-otherniaaasites" class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col">
<section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible">
<h4 class="usa-footer__primary-link">Other NIAAA Sites</h4>
<ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled">
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/" title="Alcohol Policy Information System" class="link">Alcohol Policy Information System</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="https://arcr.niaaa.nih.gov/" title="Alcohol Research: Current Reviews (ARCR)" class="link">Alcohol Research: Current Reviews (ARCR)</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/" title="Alcohol Treatment Navigator" class="link">Alcohol Treatment Navigator</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/" class="link">College Drinking Prevention</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/" class="link">NIAAA Facts About Teen Drinking</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="/news-events/niaaa-spectrum-webzine" title="NIAAA Spectrum" class="link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/169">NIAAA Spectrum</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-footer__secondary-link">
<a href="https://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/" class="link">Rethinking Drinking</a>
</li>
</ul>
</section>
</div>
<div>
</nav>
</div>
<div class="tablet:grid-col-4">
<div>
<div id="block-solstice-govdeliveryformblock">
<div class="usa-sign-up">
<h4 class="usa-sign-up__heading">Get Email Updates</h4>
<form class="usa-form" action="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIAAA/subscribers/qualify" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post" data-drupal-form-fields="email" target="_blank">
<input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓">
<input type="hidden" name="authenticity_token" value="myTqrfcKP26ImObkqXpLlCJwJeMr6pdTfN5L19Lw964CAojxidv3kEZTy3NuaWCFS9OWuYPTy20qtVl1JsD9hQ==">
<label class="usa-label" for="email">Your email address</label>
<input class="usa-input" id="email" name="email" type="email"/>
<button class="usa-button" type="submit">Sign up</button>
</form>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="usa-footer__secondary-section">
<div class="grid-container">
<div class="grid-row grid-gap">
<div class="usa-footer__logo grid-row mobile-lg:grid-col-6 mobile-lg:grid-gap-2">
<a href="https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/">
<div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-auto">
<img class="usa-footer__logo-img" src="/sites/default/themes/solstice/assets/img/niaaa-logo.png" alt="Agency logo">
</div>
</a>
</div>
<div class="usa-footer__contact-links desktop:grid-col-6">
<div class="usa-footer__social-links grid-row grid-gap-1">
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/NIAAAgov/" target="_blank">
<i class="fa-brands fa-facebook-f"></i>
</a>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--instagram" href="https://instagram.com/NIAAAnews" target="_blank">
<i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i>
</a>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--twitter" href="https://twitter.com/NIAAAnews" target="_blank">
<i class="fa-brands fa-x-twitter"></i>
</a>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--linkedin" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/nih-national-institute-on-alcohol-abuse-and-alcoholism/" target="_blank">
<i class="fa-brands fa-linkedin"></i>
</a>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<a class="usa-social-link usa-social-link--youtube" href="https://www.youtube.com/@NIAAANIH" target="_blank">
<i class="fa-brands fa-youtube"></i>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<address class="usa-footer__address">
<div class="usa-footer__contact-info grid-row grid-gap">
</div>
</address>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</footer>
<div class="usa-identifier">
<section
class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--masthead"
aria-label="">
<div class="usa-identifier__container"><div class="usa-identifier__identity" aria-label="">
<p class="usa-identifier__identity-domain">niaaa.nih.gov</p>
<p class="usa-identifier__identity-disclaimer">An official website of the <a href="https://www.nih.gov">National Institutes of Health</a> and the <a href="https://www.niaaa.nih.gov">National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism</a></p>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<nav class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--required-links" aria-label="Important Links">
<div class="usa-identifier__container">
<ul class="usa-identifier__required-links-list">
<li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item">
<a href="/about-niaaa" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/86">About NIAAA</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item">
<a href="/accessibility" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/92">Accessibility</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item">
<a href="/freedom-information-act-foia" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/96">FOIA</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item">
<a href="/privacy" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/93">Privacy Policy</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item">
<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link">Vulnerability Disclosure</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</nav>
<section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--usagov" aria-label="">
<div class="usa-identifier__container">
<div class="usa-identifier__usagov-description">Looking for U.S. government information and services?</div>
<a href="https://www.usa.gov/" class="usa-link">Visit USA.gov</a>
</div>
</section>
</div>
</div>
<script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/349","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"data":{"extlink":{"extTarget":true,"extTargetNoOverride":false,"extNofollow":false,"extNoreferrer":false,"extFollowNoOverride":false,"extClass":"ext","extLabel":"(link is external)","extImgClass":false,"extSubdomains":false,"extExclude":"(niaaa-dev\\.iq\\.iqsolutions\\.com)|(niaaa-demo\\.iqsolutions\\.com)|(dev\\.niaaa\\.nih\\.gov)|(stage\\.niaaa\\.nih\\.gov)|(content\\.niaaa\\.nih\\.gov)| (drupal1stg\\.prod\\.acquia-sites\\.com)|(addictionresearch\\.nih\\.gov)|(alcoholtreatment\\.niaaa\\.nih\\.gov)|(arcr\\.niaaa\\.nih\\.gov)|(pubs\\.niaaa\\.nih\\.gov)|(rethinkingdrinking\\.niaaa\\.nih\\.gov)|(collegedrinkingprevention\\.gov)|(niaaa\\.nih\\.gov)| (spectrum\\.niaaa\\.nih\\.gov)","extInclude":"(permanent\\.fdlp\\.gov\/*)","extCssExclude":".usa-social-link","extCssExplicit":"","extAlert":false,"extAlertText":"The link you have selected is located on a non-NIAAA website. The page will open in a new window. Click OK to proceed. Click Cancel to stay on the NIAAA website. For additional information, click the \u0022Disclaimer\u0022 link at the bottom of this webpage. NIAAA links to external websites to supplement the information found on the NIAAA website. However, NIAAA is not responsible for the information provided on external websites. Linking to a non-NIAAA website does not indicate an endorsement by NIAAA of the sponsors or of the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the external website\u0027s privacy policy when you leave NIAAA\u0027s website.","mailtoClass":"mailto","mailtoLabel":"(link sends email)","extUseFontAwesome":false,"extIconPlacement":"append","extFaLinkClasses":"fa fa-external-link","extFaMailtoClasses":"fa fa-envelope-o","whitelistedDomains":[]}},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"\/search":true},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"4e30a5f49b5cb41f19ce8fc050778cbf4a3f6d15e6ea7ae3ecb470a24eb76f37"}}</script>
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_7EEwZdd8l1mj56dq3iNvu0yA35A65lrEovJK0yLC2Ks.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=solstice&amp;include=eJxFiksOgCAMBS8EciaUSoi1Je0j6u11oXE5H1d2tIVSZZ0zR8fFTWrwz68qyAe57hToxBO3VGz0zNOL_2uEYRKh_Qbz6yKX"></script>
</body>
</html>