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Gene–ethanol interactions underlying fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

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Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term that describes a diverse set of ethanol-induced defects. The phenotypic variation is generated by numerous factors, including timing and dosage of ethanol exposure as well as genetic background. We are beginning to learn about how the concentration, duration, and timing of ethanol exposure mediate variability within ethanol teratogenesis. However, little is known about the genetic susceptibilities in FASD. Studies of FASD animal models are beginning to implicate a number of susceptibility genes that are involved in various pathways. Here we review the current literature that focuses on the genetic predispositions in FASD.

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  1. Molecular Biosciences, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78713, USA

    Neil McCarthy & Johann K. Eberhart

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Correspondence to Johann K. Eberhart.

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McCarthy, N., Eberhart, J.K. Gene–ethanol interactions underlying fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 71, 2699–2706 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-014-1578-3

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