Resource Report

URL: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/research/major-initiatives/collaborative-studies-genetics-alcoholism-coga-study

Proper Citation: Collaborative Studies on Genetics of Alcoholism (RRID:SCR_006841)

Description: Database and biorepository from a multi-site, multi-disciplinary study characterizing the familial transmission of alcoholism and related phenotypes and identifying susceptibility genes using genetic linkage. Investigators have assembled a collection of over 300 extended families densely affected by alcoholism (more than 3000 individuals), including clinical, neuropsychological, electrophysiological, biochemical, and genetic data, and established a repository of immortalized cell lines from these individuals, to serve as a permanent source of DNA for genetic studies. NIAAA has funded the Collaborative Studies on Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) since 1989, with the goal of identifying the specific genes underlying this vulnerability. Data and biomaterials are available to qualified investigators in the broader scientific community. Recipients of data and biomaterials will be responsible for defraying the cost of their distribution. Pedigrees densely affected with alcoholism (DSM-III-R) have been ascertained at six sites (SUNY Downstate Health Sciences Center, University of Connecticut, Indiana University, Washington University, University of Iowa, and The University of California at San Diego). Diagnoses of alcohol dependence according to several diagnostic systems (e.g., DSM-III-R, Feighner, ICD-10) are made based on examination of medical records and direct assessment using the Semi-Structured Assessment for Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA). Nuclear and extended pedigrees containing at least two alcohol-dependent first-degree relatives in addition to an alcohol dependent proband (with all affected individuals meeting both DSM-IIIR and Feighner criteria) have been ascertained. Clinical data comprises anonymous data on family structure, age, sex, vital status, psychopathology, diagnosis, other clinically relevant information, are stored, maintained, and distributed by Washington University. Research data, consist of data on blood biochemistry and psychological test performance, which are stored, maintained, and distributed by Washington University, and brain electrophysiological data, which are stored, maintained, and distributed by SUNY. Genetic analysis data, consisting of marker genotypes, along with results of previous genetic analyses of COGA data, are stored, maintained, and distributed by Washington University. Biomaterials, consisting of lymphoblastoid cell lines and DNA from participating subjects are stored, maintained, and distributed by Rutgers University. Researchers may gain access to clinical data, research data, genetic analysis data, and biomaterials, subject to NIAAA approval, by completing an application details available from the website. After access certification, the principal investigator will be given access to electronic data files and other documentation.

Synonyms: COGA

Resource Type: material resource, biomaterial supply resource

Keywords: electrophysiological, gene, genetic assessment, genetic linkage, alcohol dependence, alcoholism, cell line, clinical data, dna, genotype, lymphoblastoid, neuropsychological assessment, pedigree, psychological assessment, biospecimen, clinical