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Schoolchildren's autobiographical memory: COMT gene Val 158Met polymorphism effects on emotional content and quality of first memories. Cogn Process 2021; 23:109-120. [PMID: 34751856 PMCID: PMC8831258 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-021-01064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Autobiographical memory is a cognitive function strongly related to emotional processing as autobiographical memory often includes emotional content. The COMT gene Val158Met polymorphism is associated with both cognitive and emotional processing. COMT gene Val158Met polymorphism effects on the emotional content and quality of Estonian schoolchildren's first autobiographical memories were investigated in the present study. In addition, gender effects were considered and the emotional valence of the first memory was taken into account. Schoolchildren's (N = 234) first memories were coded for valence, emotion words, specificity, and details. Girls were more likely to provide specific memories and recollections with an emotional valence than boys were. Children described memories with a positive or a negative valence in more detail than neutral memories. Interactions between the COMT gene Val158Met polymorphism and gender and valence of the events were detected: Val/Met heterozygotes provided fewer details for emotional events; Val/Met heterozygote boys reported fewer details for their first memories than Val/Met heterozygote girls did; Met/Met homozygote children provided fewer evaluative details for emotional events.
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Turan B, Sims T, Best SE, Carstensen LL. Older age may offset genetic influence on affect: The COMT polymorphism and affective well-being across the life span. Psychol Aging 2017; 31:287-294. [PMID: 27111524 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT_Val158Met) genetic polymorphism has been linked to variation in affective well-being. Compared with Val carriers, Met carriers experience lower affective well-being. In parallel, research on aging and affective experience finds that younger adults experience poorer affective well-being than older adults. This study examined how COMT and age may interact to shape daily affective experience across the life span. Results suggest that Met (vs. Val) carriers experience lower levels of affective well-being in younger but not in older ages. These findings suggest that age-related improvements in emotional functioning may offset genetic vulnerabilities to negative affective experience. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sasha E Best
- Veteran's Administration Northern California Health Care System
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Wang B, Ru W, Yang X, Yang L, Fang P, Zhu X, Shen G, Gao X, Gong P. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene modulates private self-consciousness and self-flexibility. Conscious Cogn 2016; 44:186-192. [PMID: 27522491 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine levels in the brain influence human consciousness. Inspired by the role of Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in inactivating dopamine in the brain, we investigated to what extent COMT could modulate individual's self-consciousness dispositions and self-consistency by genotyping the COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism and measuring self-consciousness and self-consistency and congruence in a college student population. The results indicated that COMT Val158Met polymorphism significantly modulated the private self-consciousness. The individuals with Val/Val genotype, corresponding to lower dopamine levels in the brain, were more likely to be aware of their feelings and beliefs. The results also indicated that this polymorphism modulated one's self-flexibility. The individuals with Val/Val genotype showed higher levels of stereotype in self-concept compared with those with Met/Met genotype. These findings suggest that COMT is a predictor of the individual differences in self-consciousness and self-flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Wenzhao Ru
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Pengpeng Fang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xu Zhu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Guomin Shen
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Xiaocai Gao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China.
| | - Pingyuan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China.
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Adrian M, Kiff C, Glazner C, Kohen R, Tracy JH, Zhou C, McCauley E, Stoep AV. Examining gene-environment interactions in comorbid depressive and disruptive behavior disorders using a Bayesian approach. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 68:125-33. [PMID: 26228411 PMCID: PMC4522042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to apply a Bayesian statistical analytic approach that minimizes multiple testing problems to explore the combined effects of chronic low familial support and variants in 12 candidate genes on risk for a common and debilitating childhood mental health condition. METHOD Bayesian mixture modeling was used to examine gene by environment interactions among genetic variants and environmental factors (family support) associated in previous studies with the occurrence of comorbid depression and disruptive behavior disorders youth, using a sample of 255 children. RESULTS One main effect, variants in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR, rs53576) was associated with increased risk for comorbid disorders. Two significant gene × environment and one signification gene × gene interactions emerged. Variants in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α5 subunit (CHRNA5, rs16969968) and in the glucocorticoid receptor chaperone protein FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5, rs4713902) interacted with chronic low family support in association with child mental health status. One gene × gene interaction, 5-HTTLPR variant of the serotonin transporter (SERT/SLC6A4) in combination with μ opioid receptor (OPRM1, rs1799971) was associated with comorbid depression and conduct problems. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that Bayesian modeling is a feasible strategy for conducting behavioral genetics research. This approach, combined with an optimized genetic selection strategy (Vrieze et al., 2012), revealed genetic variants involved in stress regulation (FKBP5, SERT × OPMR), social bonding (OXTR), and nicotine responsivity (CHRNA5) in predicting comorbid status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Adrian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, USA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development, USA.
| | - Cara Kiff
- University of California Los Angeles, Semel Institute
| | | | - Ruth Kohen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
| | - Julia Helen Tracy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
| | - Chuan Zhou
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development
| | - Elizabeth McCauley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development
| | - Ann Vander Stoep
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development
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Barzman D, Geise C, Lin PI. Review of the genetic basis of emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents. World J Psychiatry 2015; 5:112-117. [PMID: 25815260 PMCID: PMC4369540 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v5.i1.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous evidence suggests that emotion dysregulation may have different biological correlates between adults and children/adolescents. Although the role of genetic factors has been extensively studied in adult-onset emotion dysregulation, the genetic basis for pediatric-onset emotion dysregulation remains elusive. The current review article presents a summary of previous studies that have suggested a few genetic variants associated with pediatric emotion dysregulation. Among these candidate loci, many prior studies have been focused on serotonin transporter promoter gene polymorphism 5-HTTLPR. Certain alleles of the 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism have been found to be associated with traits associated with emotion dysregulation, such as aggression, affect reactivity, and insecure attachment. Additionally, genetic variants involving dopamine and neurophysiological biomarkers like the COMT Val158Met (rs460) and dopamine receptor D2/ ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing one polymorphisms may play a role in emotion dysregulation. Inconsistent findings have been noted, possibly due to the heterogeneity in study designs and characteristics of different populations. Further research on the role of genetic predetermination of emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents is warranted.
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Carver CS, LeMoult J, Johnson SL, Joormann J. Gene Effects and G × E Interactions in the Differential Prediction of Three Aspects of Impulsiveness. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/1948550614527116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Several polymorphisms relevant to dopamine and serotonin have been identified as potential contributors to individual differences in impulsivity versus self-control. Because impulsivity is a multifaceted construct, a need remains to examine more closely how various genes relate to different aspects of impulsivity. We examined four dopamine-related polymorphisms and the serotonin transporter as predictors of three aspects of impulsivity, two bearing on impulsive reactions to emotions and one on difficulty in completing intended actions. Early adversity was also examined as a potentiator of genetic effects. Undergraduates completed measures of impulsivity and early adversity and were genotyped. COMT, BDNF, DRD4, and 5HTTLPR (the latter two in interaction with early adversity) made independent contributions to prediction of Pervasive Influence of Feelings. BDNF made a contribution to Lack of Follow-Through. ANKK1 and 5HTTLPR (both in interaction with early adversity) made independent contributions to Feelings Trigger Action. Thus, five polymorphisms contributed to predicting impulsivity, but different polymorphisms related to different aspects.
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Amstadter AB, MacPherson L, Wang F, Banducci-Barker A, Reynolds EK, Potenza MN, Gelernter J, Lejuez CW. The relationship between risk-taking propensity and the COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism among early adolescents as a function of sex. J Psychiatr Res 2012; 46:940-5. [PMID: 22575334 PMCID: PMC3687344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2012.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Although adolescents frequently engage in a variety of risky behaviors, much remains unknown about the specific etiologies of such tendencies. Candidate genetic variants, such as the COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism, may be related to risk-taking propensity, particularly as this variant is linked to functional enzymatic differences influencing dopamine function in regions including the prefrontal cortex. The present study aimed to examine the COMT Val(158)Met variant in relation to risk-taking propensity in a community sample of youth. As part of a larger longitudinal study on adolescent risk behaviors, 223 youths (average age 11.3 years) from the metropolitan Washington D.C. area completed a measure of risk-taking propensity, the Balloon Analog Risk Task-Youth Version (BART-Y), and provided saliva samples for DNA extraction and genotyping. Results indicate that females, but not males, who are carriers of the COMT 158Met allele had higher risk-taking propensity scores on the BART-Y compared to Val homozygotes. Analyses were also conducted in the 111 European American participants, and results were consistent with those of the full sample analyses. This study represents the first investigation of a genetic substrate of risk-taking propensity, measured by a behavioral task, in youth. Results should be taken as quite preliminary, given the small sample. Implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda B. Amstadter
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA,Please send all correspondence to: Ananda B. Amstadter, PhD; Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Psychiatry, 800 E. Leigh Street, PO Box 980126, Richmond, VA 23298-0126. Phone: 804-828-8800. Fax: 804-828-8801.
| | - Laura MacPherson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD
| | - Frances Wang
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
| | | | - Elizabeth K. Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD,Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurobiology and Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Departments of Psychiatry, Genetics, and Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - C. W. Lejuez
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD
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Jung YH, Kang DH, Byun MS, Shim G, Kwon SJ, Jang GE, Lee US, An SC, Jang JH, Kwon JS. Influence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and catechol O-methyl transferase polymorphisms on effects of meditation on plasma catecholamines and stress. Stress 2012; 15:97-104. [PMID: 21790467 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2011.592880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meditation may show differential effects on stress and plasma catecholamines based on genetic polymorphisms in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catechol O-methyl transferase (COMT). Eighty adults (40 men, 40 women; mean age 26 years) who practiced meditation regularly and 57 healthy control adults (35 men, 22 women; mean age 26 years) participated. Plasma catecholamines (norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and dopamine (DA)) concentrations were measured, and a modified form of the Stress Response Inventory was administered. The results were analyzed using two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with control and meditation subjects, gene polymorphism as factors, and meditation duration as the covariate. Two-way ANCOVA showed a significant interaction between control and meditation subjects, and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on DA/NE+DA/E (p = 0.042) and NE/E+NE/DA (p = 0.046) ratios. A significant interaction was found for control and meditation subjects with COMT Val158Met polymorphism and plasma NE concentrations (p = 0.009). Post hoc ANCOVA in the meditation group, adjusted for meditation duration, showed significantly higher plasma NE concentrations for COMT Met carriers than COMT Val/Val subjects (p = 0.025). Significant differences of stress levels were found between the control and meditation subjects in BDNF Val/Met (p < 0.001) and BDNF Met/Met (p = 0.003), whereas stress levels in the BDNF Val/Val genotype did not differ between the control and meditation groups. This is the first evidence that meditation produces different effects on plasma catecholamines according to BDNF or COMT polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ha Jung
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Amstadter AB, Daughters SB, MacPherson L, Reynolds EK, Danielson CK, Wang F, Potenza MN, Gelernter J, Lejuez CW. Genetic associations with performance on a behavioral measure of distress intolerance. J Psychiatr Res 2012; 46:87-94. [PMID: 22024485 PMCID: PMC3687355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 09/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Both theory and empirical evidence support possible associations between two candidate genetic polymorphisms (SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR l/s and COMT Val(158)Met--rs4680 variants) and emotion-regulation difficulties. One particular form of emotion-regulation difficulty, distress intolerance, has been measured using a behavioral assessment in youth; data indicate a relationship with poor psychological functioning. No prior study has investigated genetic influences on emotion-regulation difficulties in youth. As part of a larger longitudinal study on adolescent risk behaviors, 218 10-14 year-old youths from the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area completed a measure of distress intolerance, the Behavioral Indicator of Resilience to Distress (BIRD), and provided saliva samples for DNA extraction and genotyping. Results indicate that those with one or two copies of the s allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism were more likely to perform poorly on the task (i.e., choose to quit) than were those homozygous for the l allele. Participants who were Val allele carriers of the COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism were also more likely to quit the task compared to Met homozygotes. A summative risk allele score was created to combine the two polymorphisms, and each risk allele was associated with a 1.75 fold increased likelihood of quitting the task. Exploratory analyses revealed that emotional abuse moderated the relationship between the 5-HTTLPR and BIRD performance, as well as the genetic risk allele and the BIRD. This is the first investigation of genetic predictors of a behavioral measure of tolerance to distress. Results suggest that distress tolerance is at least partially regulated by specific genetic variants. Implications are discussed.
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Swart M, Bruggeman R, Larøi F, Alizadeh BZ, Kema I, Kortekaas R, Wiersma D, Aleman A. COMT Val158Met polymorphism, verbalizing of emotion and activation of affective brain systems. Neuroimage 2011; 55:338-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Thomason ME, Waugh CE, Glover GH, Gotlib IH. COMT genotype and resting brain perfusion in children. Neuroimage 2009; 48:217-22. [PMID: 19500679 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.05.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Revised: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 05/26/2009] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Levels of extra-synaptic dopamine in the brain vary as a function of polymorphisms at the val158met locus of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene. In vivo studies of this polymorphism in the human brain have typically measured patterns of neural activation during dopamine-mediated tasks in adults. This study is the first to investigate the effects of COMT on brain physiology during rest and in children. We used flow-sensitive arterial spin-labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain blood flow (CBF) in 42 children. Compared with val-allele carriers, met-allele homozygotes exhibited greater CBF in mesolimbic, mesocortical, and nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) pathways. Higher CBF in DA-rich brain structures reflects COMT-related baseline differences that (1) underlie the selective behavioral advantages associated with each genotype; (2) affect interpretations of previously reported genotype differences in BOLD signal changes; and (3) serve as a foundation for future studies on the effects of COMT on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriah E Thomason
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-2130, USA.
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