Researchers investigated a gene that manufactures a protein called CREB, or cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein. The gene is known to regulate brain function during development and learning.

In animal tests, the researchers found that laboratory mice lacking a copy of the gene consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, preferring ethanol to water in a maze test. The mice also exhibited highly anxious behavior. Mice that had two copies of the CREB gene did not exhibit the same signs.

"This is the first direct evidence that a deficiency in the CREB gene is associated with anxiety and alcohol-drinking behaviors," said Subhash Pandey, associate professor of psychiatry and director of neuroscience alcoholism research at the UIC College of Medicine.

The study's findings are published in the May 26 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:
(Comments now appear first to last)

Your Turn! Post a public comment (guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 250 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for everyone, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, brief, and on-topic. Comments are for discussion of the above article, not general rants or manifestos. Serial comments intended to circumvent the 250-word limit may be deleted.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional web links, personal information or requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercial posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.