Scientists Spot ‘Teetotaler’ Gene

Scientists say they’ve identified a gene variant that dampens the desire to drink alcohol.

They said their discovery might lead to the development of drugs that could control alcohol consumption, possibly even among problem drinkers.

This variation of the beta-Klotho gene was pinpointed through genetic research involving more than 105,000 light and heavy social drinkers. Alcoholics were not included in the research, the study authors said.

Participants provided genetic samples and answered questionnaires on their weekly drinking habits.

Heavy drinking was defined as more than 21 drinks per week for men and more than 14 drinks per week for women. Light drinking was considered to be 14 drinks or less per week for men and seven drinks or less per week for women. A “drink” was the equivalent of a small glass of wine, or a half pint of beer.

“The study identified a variation in the [beta]-Klotho gene linked to the regulation of social alcohol consumption. The less frequent variant — seen in approximately 40 percent of the people in this study — is associated with a decreased desire to drink alcohol,” said study co-corresponding author David Mangelsdorf. He is chair of pharmacology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

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