In addition to identifying genetic variants associated with AUD and outlining polygenic liability to trajectories of brain and behavioral development, a substantial component of genetic research within COGA relates to the functional characterization of this genetic risk. There are two main components of our functional genomic research (5. Functional Genomics). First, individuals who have been interviewed in COGA and have agreed to deposit samples into the NIAAA/COGA Sharing Repository provides an opportunity for COGA to study the physiology of individuals in the laboratory. EBV‐transformed lymphoblastoid cells have been studied to determine differences in gene expression between individuals with and without AUD diagnoses as well as assess the effects of ethanol exposure on gene expression. 56 Further, cells in the NIAAA/COGA Sharing Repository can be induced into pluripotent stem cells and then differentiated into different types of neurons (e.g., glutamate, GABA). This allows COGA to study the effects of specific genetic/polygenic and phenotypic properties of neurons from COGA participants, providing missing links between the genetic, functional, and ultimately, behavioral studies. 57 Studies utilizing human neurons derived from COGA stem cells have
