Chunk #75 — Potential for Translational Applications of Electrophysiological Measures of Brain Function — Electrophysiological Measures As Endophenotypes for Alcoholism
One neurophysiological measure that has been successfully used as an endophenotype in identifying several genes associated with alcoholism is the frontal theta ERO during P3 to targets during a visual oddball task in COGA (Chen et al. 2009; Jones et al. 2004, 2006a; Kang et al. 2012; Zlojutro et al. 2011). Genetic linkage and association with a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2 (CHRM2) and frontal theta and posterior delta EROs underlying P3 were reported (Jones et al. 2004, 2006a). SNPs in CHRM2 have been found with comorbid alcohol dependence and depression (Wang et al. 2004) and comorbid alcohol and drug dependence (Dick et al. 2007). Significant linkage and association were reported for the CHRM2 gene and a spectrum of externalizing disorders in the COGA study (Dick et al. 2008). Luo and colleagues (2005) replicated these findings of an association with CHRM2, for alcohol dependence, drug dependence, and affective disorder. Significant linkage and association with CHRM2 also was found with high theta (6 to 7 Hz) interhemispheric coherence. This high theta interhemispheric coherence also was linked and associated with GABRA2. Both GABAergic
