the precise nature of the individual genotype group PPI effects, leaving open the potential for alternative interpretations. The a-priori selection of alcohol dependent patients as well as the prospective genotyping approach was consistent with the study aims of testing OPRM1 genotype on fronto-striatal functional connectivity during alcohol cues processing. In addition, the use of a common alcoholic beverage (white wine) as opposed to the participants’ preferred (Filbey et al., 2008a), or most commonly consumed (Filbey et al., 2008b) alcoholic beverage represents a limitation. Likewise, the use of water as opposed to an active control (e.g., litchi juice) may limit the findings. In conclusion, this study provides initial evidence for differential fronto-striatal functional connectivity patterns during alcohol cue-exposure among OPRM1 G-allele carriers versus A-allele homozygotes. Additional studies that can replicate these results and further delineate the clinical and treatment implications of these findings hold great promise for bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical studies of addiction neurobiology.
