Genetic "switch" that makes fruit flies alcohol tolerant identified
22 Oct 2009, 1118 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Washington, Oct 22 Fruit flies have a genetic "switch" that makes them more tolerant to alcohol, according to researchers at North Carolina State University.

This metabolic switch also has implications for the deadly liver disease cirrhosis in humans.

A counterpart gene in humans contributes to a shift from metabolising alcohol to the formation of fat in heavy drinkers. This shift can lead to fatty liver syndrome - a precursor to cirrhosis.

In the study, the researchers measured the time it takes for flies to stagger due to alcohol intake while simultaneously identifying changes in the expression of all their genes.

They used statistical methods to identify genes that work together to help the flies adapt to alcohol exposure.

While looking at corresponding human genes, a counterpart gene called ME1 was found to be linked with alcohol consumption in humans, as people with certain variations of the gene showed a tendency to drink stronger alcoholic beverages.

Dr. Robert Anholt, William Neal Reynolds Professor of Biology and Genetics at NC State and the senior author of the study, says the research has possible clinical implications.

"Our findings point to metabolic pathways associated with proclivity for alcohol consumption that may ultimately be implicated in excessive drinking. Translational studies like this one, in which discoveries from model organisms can be applied to insights in human biology, can help us understand the balance between nature and nurture, why we behave the way we do, and - for better or worse - what makes us tick," he said.

The study has been published in the latest issue of the journal Genetics. (ANI)

Related Latest

Beach ball that denied Liverpool victory donated to UK football museum Scientists find "predator" corals that eat jellyfish Soon, "green" tires that boost mileage and cut CO2 emissions An upgrade makes "Jaguar" the world's fastest supercomputer Now, smartphone app that illuminates power consumption A show that will go into people's past lives 'Scrudle': the newest utensil that scrapes every last morsel from saucepans Soon, a spray that can prevent premature ejaculation Ranbir flies to Delhi to chat with Aamir, Javed 'Twilight' sequel 'New Moon' makes 1m pounds in advance ticket sales

Related Latest

As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, India will not redraw borders: Singh Pakistan has not done enough on the Mumbai terror attacks: Manmohan Singh No apprehension about US viewing India differently: Manmohan Singh Winters leave Ladakh out of bound, make stocking of food material a must Eco-friendly vehicles rally held in Delhi People worship Highway Goddess for safe journey in Chennai Lucknow Zoo authorities treating tiger for cancer Hussey ready to cop criticism, but will let bat do the talking PAC supports idea of making Pak Army's financial records public Pak heading towards 'demographic disaster', warn experts

• Pakistan has not done enough on the Mumbai terror attacks: Manmohan Singh
• As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, India will not redraw borders: Singh
• No apprehension about US viewing India differently: Manmohan Singh
• Winters leave Ladakh out of bound, make stocking of food material a must
• Eco-friendly vehicles rally held in Delhi

• भारतीय क्रिकेट की मजबूत दीवार
• कंगारूओं के आगे ढेर, चीतों से कैसे मुकाबला करेंगें शेर
• Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow global warming
• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights