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Koyama E, Kant T, Takata A, Kennedy JL, Zai CC. Genetics of child aggression, a systematic review. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:252. [PMID: 38862490 PMCID: PMC11167064 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02870-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive and persistent aggressiveness is the most common behavioral problem that leads to psychiatric referrals among children. While half of the variance in childhood aggression is attributed to genetic factors, the biological mechanism and the interplay between genes and environment that results in aggression remains elusive. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide an overview of studies examining the genetics of childhood aggression irrespective of psychiatric diagnosis. PubMed, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE databases were searched using predefined search terms for aggression, genes and the specific age group. From the 652 initially yielded studies, eighty-seven studies were systematically extracted for full-text review and for further quality assessment analyses. Findings show that (i) investigation of candidate genes, especially of MAOA (17 studies), DRD4 (13 studies), and COMT (12 studies) continue to dominate the field, although studies using other research designs and methods including genome-wide association and epigenetic studies are increasing, (ii) the published articles tend to be moderate in sizes, with variable methods of assessing aggressive behavior and inconsistent categorizations of tandem repeat variants, resulting in inconclusive findings of genetic main effects, gene-gene, and gene-environment interactions, (iii) the majority of studies are conducted on European, male-only or male-female mixed, participants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically review the effects of genes on youth aggression. To understand the genetic underpinnings of childhood aggression, more research is required with larger, more diverse sample sets, consistent and reliable assessments and standardized definition of the aggression phenotypes. The search for the biological mechanisms underlying child aggression will also benefit from more varied research methods, including epigenetic studies, transcriptomic studies, gene system and genome-wide studies, longitudinal studies that track changes in risk/ameliorating factors and aggression-related outcomes, and studies examining causal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Koyama
- Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics, Molecular Brain Science, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Laboratory for Molecular Pathology of Psychiatric Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Tuana Kant
- Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics, Molecular Brain Science, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Atsushi Takata
- Laboratory for Molecular Pathology of Psychiatric Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - James L Kennedy
- Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics, Molecular Brain Science, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clement C Zai
- Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics, Molecular Brain Science, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Fritz M, Soravia SM, Dudeck M, Malli L, Fakhoury M. Neurobiology of Aggression-Review of Recent Findings and Relationship with Alcohol and Trauma. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030469. [PMID: 36979161 PMCID: PMC10044835 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Aggression can be conceptualized as any behavior, physical or verbal, that involves attacking another person or animal with the intent of causing harm, pain or injury. Because of its high prevalence worldwide, aggression has remained a central clinical and public safety issue. Aggression can be caused by several risk factors, including biological and psychological, such as genetics and mental health disorders, and socioeconomic such as education, employment, financial status, and neighborhood. Research over the past few decades has also proposed a link between alcohol consumption and aggressive behaviors. Alcohol consumption can escalate aggressive behavior in humans, often leading to domestic violence or serious crimes. Converging lines of evidence have also shown that trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could have a tremendous impact on behavior associated with both alcohol use problems and violence. However, although the link between trauma, alcohol, and aggression is well documented, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and their impact on behavior have not been properly discussed. This article provides an overview of recent advances in understanding the translational neurobiological basis of aggression and its intricate links to alcoholism and trauma, focusing on behavior. It does so by shedding light from several perspectives, including in vivo imaging, genes, receptors, and neurotransmitters and their influence on human and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fritz
- School of Health and Social Sciences, AKAD University of Applied Sciences, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah-Maria Soravia
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Manuela Dudeck
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Layal Malli
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
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Theorizing the Role of Dopaminergic Polymorphic Risk Alleles with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), Violent/Aggressive Behavior and Addiction: Justification of Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) Testing. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12121946. [PMID: 36556167 PMCID: PMC9784939 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12121946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific studies have provided evidence that there is a relationship between violent and aggressive behaviors and addictions. Genes involved with the reward system, specifically the brain reward cascade (BRC), appear to be associated with various addictions and impulsive, aggressive, and violent behaviors. In our previous research, we examined the Taq A1 allele (variant D2 dopamine receptor gene) and the DAT-40 base repeat (a variant of the dopamine transporter gene) in 11 Caucasian boys at the Brown School in San Marcus, Texas, diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder. Thirty supernormal controls were screened to exclude several reward-deficit behaviors, including pathological violence, and genotyped for the DRD2 gene. Additionally, 91 controls were screened to exclude ADHD, pathological violence, alcoholism, drug dependence, and tobacco abuse, and their results were compared with DAT1 genotype results. In the schoolboys vs. supercontrols, there was a significant association with the D2 variant and a trend with the dopamine transporter variant. Results support our hypothesis and the involvement of at least two gene risk alleles with adolescent violent/aggressive behaviors. This study and the research presented in this paper suggest that violent/aggressive behaviors are associated with a greater risk of addiction, mediated via various genes linked to the BRC. This review provides a contributory analysis of how gene polymorphisms, especially those related to the brain reward circuitry, are associated with violent behaviors.
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M.S. SP, Joseph. JK, Vardhanan YS. Exploration of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Health Risk Behaviors (HRBs) in Male Recidivist Violent Offenders: Indian Scenario. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2022; 15:639-652. [PMID: 35958729 PMCID: PMC9360396 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-021-00434-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aggression and violent behavior are widespread in the world and cause serious threats to public safety. Violent criminal recidivism rates remain very high among certain groups of offenders. In India, the quantum of total violent crimes is continuously increasing from 2009 to 2019. Adverse childhood experiences can affect the development of a child in many ways, leading to highly maladaptive behaviors, such as serious, violent, and chronic (SVC) delinquency. This study was done as a case-control method among recidivist violent offenders and controls to examine the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on violent criminality. The questionnaire included the World Health Organization Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE- IQ) and standardized measures of Health Risk Behaviors (HRBs). Thirteen categories of adverse childhood experiences of the recidivist violent offenders and controls were measured. Bivariate analysis showed that there was a significant relation (p < 0.001) between ACEs and violent criminality in cases (M = 72.14, SD = 6.80, N = 35) and controls (M = 44.91, SD = 5.39, N = 32). The largest correlation was found between collective violence and household violence (r = 0.813). Bivariate correlation analyses were highly significant between total ACE score and criminality (r (35) = 0.927, p < 0.001). The results reveal that household violence, community violence and collective violence experienced by recidivist violent offenders were nearly double the rate of the control group. Findings emphasize the need for evaluations of ACEs in recidivist offenders for better rehabilitation strategies and also the necessity for preventive efforts at all levels. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40653-021-00434-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Prasad M.S.
- Assistant Professor, M.Sc. Forensic Science Programme, University of Calicut, Kerala Police Academy, Thrissur, 680631 Kerala India
| | | | - Y. Shibu Vardhanan
- Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, 673635 Kerala India
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Yue L, Cui N, Golfenshtein N, Cui N, Hao Y, Lyu P. The protective role of mindful parenting against child maltreatment and aggressive behavior: an exploratory study among Chinese parent-adolescent dyads. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:72. [PMID: 36042476 PMCID: PMC9429749 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00507-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-established that child maltreatment practiced by parents is associated with adolescent aggression. Emerging evidence has suggested that higher levels of mindful parenting are associated with fewer negative parenting practices. However, the relationships among mindful parenting, child maltreatment, and adolescent aggression remain unclear. AIM To examine the association between mindful parenting, child maltreatment, and adolescent aggressive behavior among Chinese parent-adolescent dyads. METHODS Survey data from 554 Chinese parent-adolescent dyads were used for the analysis. Parents reported mindful parenting, and adolescents reported three forms of child maltreatment (i.e., physical abuse, psychological aggression, and neglect) by their parents and aggressive behavior. Path models were used to analyze whether higher levels of mindful parenting were associated with decreased likelihood of parent-to-adolescent maltreatment that were further related to lower levels of adolescent aggression. RESULTS Mindful parenting and its two factors (i.e., interaction with full attention and compassion and acceptance) were associated with lower likelihood of physical abuse and psychological aggression, which were related to decreased levels of adolescent aggressive behavior. Stratified analyses by parent gender showed that the path from interaction with full attention to adolescent aggression through psychological aggression was also significant or marginally significant in both mother-adolescent and father-adolescent dyads. Stratified analyses by adolescent gender demonstrated that the paths from interaction with full attention to physical abuse and psychological aggression were significant, which were also significantly correlated with adolescent aggression among male adolescents, whereas the mindful parenting-child maltreatment-adolescent aggression paths were not significant among female adolescents. CONCLUSIONS The findings contributed to the existing literature by assessing mindful parenting as a multifaceted construct and exploring the gender differences in the relationships. Gender-tailored interventions to improve mindful parenting, specifically focusing on the parents' ability of interacting with adolescents providing full attention, compassion, and acceptance may work towards preventing child maltreatment and promoting adolescent behavioral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yue
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, No. 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Naixue Cui
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, No. 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Nadya Golfenshtein
- grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Naisong Cui
- Rizhao Agricultural College, Rizhao, Shandong China
| | - Yinjun Hao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, No. 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Pingping Lyu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, No. 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
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Xie M, Su C. Childhood abuse and juvenile offenders' aggressive behavior: Selfesteem and self-control as mediators. SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.2224/sbp.11407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We explored the impact of experiencing childhood abuse on exhibiting aggressive behavior, and the mediating roles of self-esteem and selfcontrol in this relationship. Participants were 425 male juvenile offenders at two prisons in China, who completed the Childhood Abuse Questionnaire,
the Self-Esteem Scale, the Self-Control Scale, and the Aggression Questionnaire. As we had predicted, the chain mediating effect of self-esteem and self-control on the relationship between childhood abuse and aggressive behavior was significant. The findings benefit our understanding of the
mechanisms underlying the relationship between childhood abuse and aggressive behavior among juvenile offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Xie
- School of Educational Science, Ludong University, and Institute for Education and Treatment of Problematic Youth, Ludong University, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunjing Su
- School of Educational Science, Ludong University, and Institute for Education and Treatment of Problematic Youth, Ludong University, People's Republic of China
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Systematic identification of candidate genes associated with aggressive behavior: A neurogenetic approach. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Condon EM, Dettmer A, Baker E, McFaul C, Stover CS. Early Life Adversity and Males: Biology, Behavior, and Implications for Fathers' Parenting. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104531. [PMID: 35063493 PMCID: PMC9236197 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Fathers have an important and unique influence on child development, but influences on fathers' parenting have been vastly understudied in the scientific literature. In particular, very little empirical research exists on the effects of early life adversity (ELA; e.g. childhood maltreatment, parental separation) on later parenting among fathers. In this review, we draw from both the human and non-human animal literature to examine the effects of ELA, specifically among males, in the following areas: 1) neurobiology and neurocognitive functioning, 2) hormones and hormone receptors, 3) gene-environment interactions and epigenetics, and 4) behavior and development. Based on these findings, we present a conceptual model to describe the biological and behavioral pathways through which exposure to ELA may influence parenting among males, with a goal of guiding future research and intervention development in this area. Empirical studies are needed to improve understanding of the relationship between ELA and father's parenting, inform the development of paternal and biparental interventions, and prevent intergenerational transmission of ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Condon
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing, 231 Glenbrook Rd, Storrs CT 06269, United States; Yale Early Stress and Adversity Consortium, United States.
| | - Amanda Dettmer
- Yale Early Stress and Adversity Consortium, United States; Yale Child Study Center, 230 S Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
| | - Ellie Baker
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 S Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT 06519, United States; Division of Psychology and Language Science, University College London (UCL), 26 Bedford Way, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0AP, United Kingdom
| | - Ciara McFaul
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 S Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
| | - Carla Smith Stover
- Yale Early Stress and Adversity Consortium, United States; Yale Child Study Center, 230 S Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
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Sarwar S, Hasnain S. Association of variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and T941G polymorphism of monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) gene with aggression in Pakistani subjects. Afr Health Sci 2021; 21:180-188. [PMID: 34394296 PMCID: PMC8356572 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v21i1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human behavioral traits are known to be significantly heritable. Certain individuals have a greater tendency of negative behavioral aspects including aggression. The quest to identify tunderlying genetic causes has led to identification of a number of genetic markers, one of them is the monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) gene. Objective We aimed to genotype a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) in the promoter region and a functional SNP within this gene (T941G, dbSNP ID: rs6323) in the recruited cohort of 482 subjects. Methods After DNA isolation, genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP and the results were confirmed by sequencing. Results For VNTRs, the results showed, highest frequency of 3.5 repeats in males and 4 repeats in females in the promoter region. The genotype frequencies for the SNP in cases were GG=16.3%, TG=20.6% and TT=63.1%, while in controls, the frequencies were GG=12.7%, TG=6.3%, and TT=81.0%. The allele frequencies were significantly different between cases and controls (p=0.015; OR=1.51; CI=1.085–2.102). Conclusion The selected VNTR and SNP appeared to be significantly associated with aggression. These VNTRs and SNP have not been studied previously in the Pakistani population, hence they represent a unique ethnic group. These results, however, would have to be replicated in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumbal Sarwar
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, 54590
| | - Shahida Hasnain
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, 54590
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Kolla NJ, Bortolato M. The role of monoamine oxidase A in the neurobiology of aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior: A tale of mice and men. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 194:101875. [PMID: 32574581 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, research has revealed that genetic factors shape the propensity for aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior. The best-documented gene implicated in aggression is MAOA (Monoamine oxidase A), which encodes the key enzyme for the degradation of serotonin and catecholamines. Congenital MAOA deficiency, as well as low-activity MAOA variants, has been associated with a higher risk for antisocial behavior (ASB) and violence, particularly in males with a history of child maltreatment. Indeed, the interplay between low MAOA genetic variants and early-life adversity is the best-documented gene × environment (G × E) interaction in the pathophysiology of aggression and ASB. Additional evidence indicates that low MAOA activity in the brain is strongly associated with a higher propensity for aggression; furthermore, MAOA inhibition may be one of the primary mechanisms whereby prenatal smoke exposure increases the risk of ASB. Complementary to these lines of evidence, mouse models of Maoa deficiency and G × E interactions exhibit striking similarities with clinical phenotypes, proving to be valuable tools to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying antisocial and aggressive behavior. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the knowledge on the involvement of MAOA in aggression, as defined by preclinical and clinical evidence. In particular, we show how the convergence of human and animal research is proving helpful to our understanding of how MAOA influences antisocial and violent behavior and how it may assist in the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies for aggressive manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Kolla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada; Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada; Translational Initiative on Antisocial Personality Disorder (TrIAD); Program of Research on Violence Etiology, Neurobiology, and Treatment (PReVENT).
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Translational Initiative on Antisocial Personality Disorder (TrIAD); Program of Research on Violence Etiology, Neurobiology, and Treatment (PReVENT).
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Sun X, Ming Q, Zhong X, Dong D, Li C, Xiong G, Cheng C, Cao W, He J, Wang X, Yi J, Yao S. The MAOA Gene Influences the Neural Response to Psychosocial Stress in the Human Brain. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:65. [PMID: 32499684 PMCID: PMC7243356 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The stress response is regulated by many mechanisms. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) has been related to many mental illnesses. However, few studies have explored the relationship between MAOA and acute laboratory-induced psychosocial stress with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In the current study, the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST) and fMRI were used to investigate how MAOA influences the stress response. Increased cortisol concentrations were observed after the task; functional connectivity between the bilateral anterior hippocampus and other brain regions was reduced during stress. MAOA-H allele carriers showed greater deactivation of the right anterior hippocampus and greater cortisol response after stress than did MAOH-L allele carriers. Hippocampal deactivation may lead to disinhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the initiation of stress hormone release under stress. Our results suggest that the MAOA gene regulates the stress response by influencing the right anterior hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Sun
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Qingsen Ming
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sochoow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhong
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Daifeng Dong
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Chuting Li
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Xiong
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Chang Cheng
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Wanyi Cao
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Jiayue He
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Jinyao Yi
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Shuqiao Yao
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
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Mustafin RN, Kazantseva AV, Enikeeva RF, Davydova YD, Karunas AS, Malykh SB, Khusnutdinova EK. Epigenetics of Aggressive Behavior. RUSS J GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795419090096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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13
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Single nucleotide polymorphisms, variable number tandem repeats and allele influence on serotonergic enzyme modulators for aggressive and suicidal behaviors: A review. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 180:74-82. [PMID: 30928299 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The serotonergic system plays key regulatory roles in cognition and emotion. Several lines of evidence suggest that genetic variation is associated with aggressive and suicidal behaviors. Genetic studies have largely focused on three types of variations: single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs), and alleles. 95 published papers (49 papers for aggression and 46 for suicide) were reviewed to summarize the impact of SNPs, VNTRs, and alleles of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin [5-HT] synthesis), 5-HT transporter (5-HTT), serotonergic receptors, monoamine oxidase (an enzyme that catalyzes 5-HT degradation) on aggression and suicidal behaviors. These study samples include healthy controls, psychiatric disease patients, and animal models. This article mainly reviews studies on the relationship between 5-HT transmissions and genetic variations involved in aggression (particularly impulsive aggression) or suicide in people with different ethnicities and psychiatric disorders. We found that most SNPs, VNTRs, and alleles exerted influences on aggression or suicide. Only A128C in TPH1, A138G in 5-HT2A, and L type in the VNTR of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) affected both aggression and suicide. The associations between some genetic variations and aggression/suicide may be influenced by gender, age, ethnicity, psychiatric disease, and even parenting or prenatal stress. These findings may help clarify how genetic and environmental factors influence the development of aggressive and suicidal behaviors.
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Davydova JD, Litvinov SS, Enikeeva RF, Malykh SB, Khusnutdinova EK. Recent advances in genetics of aggressive behavior. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2018. [DOI: 10.18699/vj18.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important problems of modern neurobiology and medicine is an understanding of the mechanisms of normal and pathological behavior of a person. Aggressive behavior is an integral part of the human psyche. However, environmental risk factors, mental illness and somatic diseases can lead to increased aggression to be the biological basis of antisocial behavior in a human society. An important role in development of aggressive behavior belongs to the hereditary factors that may be linked to abnormal functioning of neurotransmitter systems in the brain yet the underlying genetic mechanisms remain unclear, which is due to a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions and deletions in the structure of genes that encode the components of the neurotransmitter systems. The most studied candidate genes for aggressive behavior are serotonergic (TPH1, TPH2, HTR2A, SLC6A4) and dopaminergic (DRD4, SLC6A3) system genes, as well as the serotonin or catecholamine metabolizing enzyme genes (COMT, MAOA). In addition, there is evidence that the hypothalamic-pituitary system genes (OXT, OXTR, AVPR1A, AVPR1B), the sex hormone receptors genes (ER1, AR), neurotrophin (BDNF) and neuronal apoptosis genes (CASP3, BAX) may also be involved in development of aggressive behavior. The results of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have demonstrated that FYN, LRRTM4, NTM, CDH13, DYRK1A and other genes are involved in regulation of aggressive behavior. These and other evidence suggest that genetic predisposition to aggressive behavior may be a very complex process.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. D. Davydova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Ufa Federal Research Centre of RAS
| | - S. S. Litvinov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Ufa Federal Research Centre of RAS
| | - R. F. Enikeeva
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Ufa Federal Research Centre of RAS
| | - S. B. Malykh
- Psychological Institute, Russian Academy of Education
| | - E. K. Khusnutdinova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Ufa Federal Research Centre of RAS; Department of Genetics and Fundamental Medicine, Bashkir State University
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15
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Wang CH, Ning QF, Liu C, Lv TT, Cong EZ, Gu JY, Zhang YL, Nie HY, Zhang XL, Li Y, Zhang XY, Su LY. Associations of serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphisms and monoamine oxidase A gene polymorphisms with oppositional defiant disorder in a Chinese Han population. Behav Brain Funct 2018; 14:15. [PMID: 30126429 PMCID: PMC6102835 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-018-0147-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder that mainly refers to a recurrent pattern of disobedient, defiant, negativistic and hostile behaviors toward authority figures. Previous studies have showed associations of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) with behavioral and psychiatric disorders. The purposes of this study were to investigate the potential association of 5-HTT gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and MAOA gene polymorphism with susceptibility to ODD in a Han Chinese school population. METHODS The 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism and the MAOA gene polymorphism were genotyped in a case-control study of 257 Han Chinese children (123 ODD and 134 healthy controls). RESULTS There was significant difference in the allele distribution of 5-HTTLPR (χ2 = 7.849, P = 0.005) between the ODD and control groups. Further, there were significant differences in genotype (χ2 = 5.168, P = 0.023) and allele distributions (χ2 = 10.336, P = 0.001) of the MAOA gene polymorphism that is variable-number tandem repeat (MAOA-uVNTR) between two groups. Moreover, there were significant differences in genotype (χ2 = 4.624, P = 0.032) and allele distributions (χ2 = 9.248, P = 0.002) of MAOA-uVNTR only in the male ODD and healthy groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that 5-HTTLPR and MAOA-uVNTR gene variants may contribute to susceptibility to ODD. Further, MAOA-uVNTR gene polymorphism may play a role in susceptibility to ODD only in male children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Psychiatric Hospital of Henan Province China), Jianshe Road 388, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China.
| | - Qiu-Fen Ning
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Psychiatric Hospital of Henan Province China), Jianshe Road 388, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Psychiatric Hospital of Henan Province China), Jianshe Road 388, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Ting-Ting Lv
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Psychiatric Hospital of Henan Province China), Jianshe Road 388, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - En-Zhao Cong
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Psychiatric Hospital of Henan Province China), Jianshe Road 388, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Jing-Yang Gu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Psychiatric Hospital of Henan Province China), Jianshe Road 388, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Li Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Psychiatric Hospital of Henan Province China), Jianshe Road 388, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Hui-Yao Nie
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Psychiatric Hospital of Henan Province China), Jianshe Road 388, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University (Psychiatric Hospital of Henan Province China), Jianshe Road 388, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent, Public Health College, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UT Houston Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Road, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Lin-Yan Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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16
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Nilsson KW, Åslund C, Comasco E, Oreland L. Gene-environment interaction of monoamine oxidase A in relation to antisocial behaviour: current and future directions. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:1601-1626. [PMID: 29881923 PMCID: PMC6224008 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1892-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Since the pioneering finding of Caspi and co-workers in 2002 that exposure to childhood maltreatment predicted later antisocial behaviour (ASB) in male carriers of the low-activity MAOA-uVNTR allele, frequent replication studies have been published. Two meta-analyses, one in 2006 and the other in 2014, confirmed the original findings by Caspi and co-workers. In the present paper, we review the literature, note some methodological aspects of candidate gene–environment interaction (cG×E) studies and suggest some future directions. Our conclusions are as follows. (1) The direction of the effect in a cG×E model may differ according to the positive and negative environmental background of the population. (2) There is a predictor-intersection problem such that when measuring one type of maltreatment in a person, other kinds of maltreatment often co-occur. Other forms of abuse are implicitly considered in statistical models; therefore, it is difficult to draw conclusions about the effects of timing and the severity of different forms of stressful life events in relation to ASB. (3) There is also an outcome-intersection problem because of the major intersection of ASB and other forms of mental health problems. It is likely that the G×E with MAOA is related to a common unmeasured factor. (4) For the G×E model, in which the effect of the gene on the outcome variable is dependent on other predictor variables, theoretically, hypothesis-driven statistical modelling is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent W Nilsson
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Åslund
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Oreland
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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Xu MK, Gaysina D, Tsonaka R, Morin AJS, Croudace TJ, Barnett JH, Houwing-Duistermaat J, Richards M, Jones PB. Monoamine Oxidase A ( MAOA) Gene and Personality Traits from Late Adolescence through Early Adulthood: A Latent Variable Investigation. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1736. [PMID: 29075213 PMCID: PMC5641687 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Very few molecular genetic studies of personality traits have used longitudinal phenotypic data, therefore molecular basis for developmental change and stability of personality remains to be explored. We examined the role of the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) on extraversion and neuroticism from adolescence to adulthood, using modern latent variable methods. A sample of 1,160 male and 1,180 female participants with complete genotyping data was drawn from a British national birth cohort, the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD). The predictor variable was based on a latent variable representing genetic variations of the MAOA gene measured by three SNPs (rs3788862, rs5906957, and rs979606). Latent phenotype variables were constructed using psychometric methods to represent cross-sectional and longitudinal phenotypes of extraversion and neuroticism measured at ages 16 and 26. In males, the MAOA genetic latent variable (AAG) was associated with lower extraversion score at age 16 (β = −0.167; CI: −0.289, −0.045; p = 0.007, FDRp = 0.042), as well as greater increase in extraversion score from 16 to 26 years (β = 0.197; CI: 0.067, 0.328; p = 0.003, FDRp = 0.036). No genetic association was found for neuroticism after adjustment for multiple testing. Although, we did not find statistically significant associations after multiple testing correction in females, this result needs to be interpreted with caution due to issues related to x-inactivation in females. The latent variable method is an effective way of modeling phenotype- and genetic-based variances and may therefore improve the methodology of molecular genetic studies of complex psychological traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man K Xu
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Welten Institute, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Darya Gaysina
- EDGE Lab, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Roula Tsonaka
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alexandre J S Morin
- Substantive-Methodological Synergy Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tim J Croudace
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Marcus Richards
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter B Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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18
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Massey SH, Hatcher AE, Clark CAC, Burns JL, Pine DS, Skol AD, Mroczek DK, Espy KA, Goldman D, Cook E, Wakschlag LS. Does MAOA increase susceptibility to prenatal stress in young children? Neurotoxicol Teratol 2017; 61:82-91. [PMID: 28163169 PMCID: PMC5453809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously demonstrated a gene-by-prenatal-environment interaction whereby the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) modified the impact of prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE) on adolescent disruptive behavior (DB), with the MAOA risk genotype varying by sex. We extend this work by examining whether this mechanism is evident with another common adversity, prenatal stress exposure (PSE), and whether sex differences are present earlier in development in closer proximity to exposure. METHODS Participants were 281 mothers and their 285 children derived from a prenatal cohort with in-depth prospective measures of PSE and PTE. We assessed DB at age 5 via dimensional developmentally-sensitive measurement. Analyses were stratified by sex based on prior evidence for sex differences. RESULTS Concurrent stress exposure predicted DB in children (β=0.310, p=0.001), while main effects of prenatal exposures were seen only in boys. We found a three-way interaction of MAOA×PSE×sex on DB (β=0.813, p=0.022). Boys with MAOA-H had more DB as a function of PSE, controlling for PTE (β=0.774, p=0.015), and as a function of PTE, controlling for PSE (β=0.362, p=0.037). Boys with MAOA-L did not show this susceptibility. MAOA did not interact with PSE (β=-0.133, p=0.561) nor PTE (β=-0.144; p=0.505) in predicting DB in girls. Examination of gene-environment correlation (rGE) showed a correlation between paternal MAOA-L and daughters' concurrent stress exposure (r=-0.240, p=0.013). DISCUSSION Findings underscore complex mechanisms linking genetic susceptibility and early adverse exposures. Replication in larger cohorts followed from the pregnancy through adolescence is suggested to elucidate mechanisms that appear to have varying developmental expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suena H Massey
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N Saint Clair, 19(th) Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N Saint Clair, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Amalia E Hatcher
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA.
| | - Caron A C Clark
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E University Blvd., P.O.Box 210068, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - James L Burns
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N Saint Clair, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Daniel S Pine
- Section on Development and Affective Neuroscience, NIMH Intramural Research Program, 15K North Drive, MSC-2670, Bethesda, MD 20892-2670, USA.
| | - Andrew D Skol
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 900 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Daniel K Mroczek
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N Saint Clair, 19(th) Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Swift Hall 102, 2029 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL60208, USA.
| | - Kimberly A Espy
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E University Blvd., P.O.Box 210068, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Office for Research & Economic Development, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA.
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Room 3S-32:MSC 9412, Bethesda, MD 20892-9412, USA.
| | - Edwin Cook
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA.
| | - Lauren S Wakschlag
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N Saint Clair, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, 2040 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, 633 N Saint Clair, 19th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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