rs11720469 is an eQTL for BCHE expression in thalamus and related regions (that is, cortex, caudate). The thalamus plays a central role in relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex,68 reflected in EEG dynamics. Dynamic coordination of lower frequencies (theta/alpha rhythms from subcortical regions) and higher frequencies (beta/gamma rhythms from cortical sites) through a mechanism of phase–amplitude coupling modulate thalamo-cortical and corticocortical communication in the brain.69,70 Steriade71 reports that neuronal oscillations result from synaptic interactions in corticothalamic neuronal loops and that intracellularly recorded thalamo-cortical neurons displayed fast oscillations involving beta rhythms. Thalamic volume and/or function contributes to higher-order cognitive functions, including inhibitory control, decision-making and disinhibitory disorders.72 Mackey et al.73 reported that greater temporal discounting was associated with greater volume in a subcortical region encompassing the ventral striatum, hypothalamus and anterior thalamus. Magnetic resonance imaging studies have found that structural variation in the thalamus is related to alcohol consumption74 and AUD,75 as well as relapse in treatment seeking individuals with AUD.76,77 Together, this literature suggests that the thalamus plays a key role in regulatory mechanisms underlying fast beta EEG and AUD.
