Here we have presented results from the first genetic analysis of acute ethanol-responsive gene expression in the three major brain regions comprising the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway, and a comprehensive characterization of gene networks that constitute this gene expression response in PFC. Our analysis identified unique gene networks with implications on ethanol-evoked neuroadaptive mechanisms and behaviors, and showed that the response of such networks is governed by overlapping sets of discreet genetic loci. Perhaps most importantly, this analysis highlighted a series of hub genes as potentially major factors influencing brain responses to ethanol, setting the stage for future mechanistic studies and possible development of novel therapeutic approaches to alcoholism.
