RGD Reference Report - Modulation of voluntary ethanol consumption by beta-arrestin 2. - Rat Genome Database

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Modulation of voluntary ethanol consumption by beta-arrestin 2.

Authors: Björk, K  Rimondini, R  Hansson, A C  Terasmaa, A  Hyytiä, P  Heilig, M  Sommer, W H 
Citation: Björk K, etal., FASEB J. 2008 Jul;22(7):2552-60. doi: 10.1096/fj.07-102442. Epub 2008 Mar 26.
RGD ID: 401938607
Pubmed: PMID:18367649   (View Abstract at PubMed)
DOI: DOI:10.1096/fj.07-102442   (Journal Full-text)

Beta-arrestin 2 is a multifunctional key component of the G protein-coupled receptor complex and is involved in mu-opiate and dopamine D2 receptor signaling, both of which are thought to mediate the rewarding effects of ethanol consumption. We identified elevated expression of the beta-arrestin 2 gene (Arrb2) in the striatum and the hippocampus of ethanol-preferring AA rats compared to their nonpreferring counterpart ANA line. Differential mRNA expression was accompanied by different levels of Arrb2 protein. The elevated expression was associated with a 7-marker haplotype in complete linkage disequilibrium, which segregated fully between the lines, and was unique to the preferring line. Furthermore, a single, distinct, and highly significant quantitative trait locus for Arrb2 expression in hippocampus and striatum was identified at the locus of this gene, providing evidence that genetic variation may affect a cis-regulatory mechanism for expression and regional control of Arrb2. These findings were functionally validated using mice lacking Arrb2, which displayed both reduced voluntary ethanol consumption and ethanol-induced psychomotor stimulation. Our results demonstrate that beta-arrestin 2 modulates acute responses to ethanol and is an important mediator of ethanol reward.



Phenotype Annotations    Click to see Annotation Detail View

Mammalian Phenotype

Object SymbolSpeciesTermQualifierEvidenceWithNotesSourceOriginal Reference(s)
Arrb2Ratalcohol preference  IAGP  RGD 
Objects Annotated

Genes (Rattus norvegicus)
Arrb2  (arrestin, beta 2)


Additional Information