of gene expression in the DLPFC. Collectively, these convergent data suggest that lower GMVs in the middle and superior frontal gyri and insula may represent a preexisting genetic liability for drinking that could serve as a prognostic biomarker. Further, these data suggest that the alcohol use in the general population does not induce reductions in GMV, at least as measured using magnetic resonance imaging, as has been previously hypothesized (5,7,9). It is possible that reduced GMVs in the middle and superior frontal gyri and insula may promote alcohol use, increasing the likelihood of heavy use, which may then further potentiate GMV loss in these regions and others (9,11,12).
