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Genetics and Epigenetics of Substance Use Disorders
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Independent Laboratory of Behavioural Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
Independent Laboratory of Behavioural Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
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Genetics and Epigenetics of Substance Use Disorders

Abstract submission deadline
closed (15 August 2025)
Manuscript submission deadline
15 November 2025
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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Investigations of the genetic and epigenetic factors in substance use disorders have significantly advanced our understanding of these complex conditions. Genetic research has identified numerous markers associated with addiction, emphasizing the role of the dopamine system in reward pathways. Epigenetic studies have further elucidated how environmental factors, such as stress and drug exposure, can modify gene expression. These modifications can influence the risk of developing SUDs, explaining the variations in susceptibility among individuals with similar genetic backgrounds. The relevance of this research lies in its potential to inform personalized treatment and prevention strategies, tailored to an individual’s unique genetic and epigenetic profile. Future research directions include exploring the intricate interactions between genetic predispositions and environmental influences, as well as developing targeted interventions that consider both genetic and epigenetic factors. This comprehensive approach promises to enhance the effectiveness of treatments and improve outcomes for individuals affected by SUDs.

The Topic Issue encourages researchers to submit original manuscripts and reviews that examine the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in substance use disorders.

Dr. Aleksandra Suchanecka
Prof. Dr. Anna Maria Grzywacz
Dr. Kszysztof Chmielowiec
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • genetics
  • epigenetics
  • gene-environment interaction
  • endophenotypes
  • methylation

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Brain Sciences
brainsci 		2.8 5.6 2011 16.2 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
cimb 		3.0 3.7 1999 17.8 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Epigenomes
epigenomes 		3.5 4.4 2017 20.3 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Genes
genes 		2.8 5.5 2010 14.6 Days CHF 2600 Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ijms 		4.9 9.0 2000 20.5 Days CHF 2900 Submit
DNA
dna 		- - 2021 20.5 Days CHF 1000 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Article
Alcohol Preference Impacts Multi-Organ Transcriptome in MetALD
by Saumya Sikhwal, Tyler C. Gripshover, Rui S. Treves and Josiah E. Hardesty
Genes 2025, 16(10), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16101121 - 23 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health issue with rising global occurrence and metabolic consequences. Modeling the addictive behaviors associated with AUD remains inadequate and elusive. Even more so, models that are representative of AUD in concert with excessive caloric [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health issue with rising global occurrence and metabolic consequences. Modeling the addictive behaviors associated with AUD remains inadequate and elusive. Even more so, models that are representative of AUD in concert with excessive caloric intake are limited. Some consequences of chronic alcohol use overlap with the metabolic phenotype of hypercaloric diets. Recently characterized metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease with increased alcohol intake (MetALD) helps to differentiate these conditions. This study aims to investigate metabolic phenotypes and gene expression alterations in MetALD mice that are grouped by alcohol preference based on blood phosphatidylethanol levels and alcohol consumption. Methods: Mice were fed high-fat and chow diets, with water and 10% EtOH, for 13 weeks. mRNA sequencing was performed across multiple tissues including brain, liver, skeletal muscle, ileum, and white adipose tissue, and gut microbiome diversity was evaluated via 16S sequencing. Results: Key findings included reduced glucagon in alcohol-preferring mice with no significant differences in dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. Additionally, we observed reduced gut microbiome diversity and Wnt signaling with elevated acute-phase response genes in ileum tissue. Reduced Wnt and Hippo signaling in the brain and liver, respectively, was also revealed. Other gene ontologies discovered included increased neural inflammation and adipose mitochondrial translation. Nek3, Ntf3, Cux1, and Irf6 expression changes were shared across at least three tissues and may be potential biomarkers of alcohol addiction. Conclusions: This novel model assists future intervention research in the characterization of MetALD and identifies potential biomarkers of alcohol preference. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Genetics and Epigenetics of Substance Use Disorders)
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