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Munthali RJ, Sahibdeen V, Kagura J, Hendry LM, Norris SA, Ong KK, Day FR, Lombard Z. Genetic risk score for adult body mass index associations with childhood and adolescent weight gain in an African population. GENES AND NUTRITION 2018; 13:24. [PMID: 30123368 PMCID: PMC6090951 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-018-0613-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Ninety-seven independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are robustly associated with adult body mass index (BMI kg/m2) in Caucasian populations. The relevance of such variants in African populations at different stages of the life course (such as childhood) is unclear. We tested whether a genetic risk score composed of the aforementioned SNPs was associated with BMI from infancy to early adulthood. We further tested whether this genetic effect was mediated by conditional weight gain at different growth periods. We used data from the Birth to Twenty Plus Cohort (Bt20+), for 971 urban South African black children from birth to 18 years. DNA was collected at 13 years old and was genotyped using the Metabochip (Illumina) array. The weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) for BMI was constructed based on 71 of the 97 previously reported SNPs. Results The cross-sectional association between the wGRS and BMI strengthened with age from 5 to 18 years. The significant associations were observed from 11 to 18 years, and peak effect sizes were observed at 13 and 14 years of age. Results from the linear mixed effects models showed significant interactions between the wGRS and age on longitudinal BMI but no such interactions were observed in sex and the wGRS. A higher wGRS was associated with an increased relative risk of belonging to the early onset obese longitudinal BMI trajectory (relative risk = 1.88; 95%CI 1.28 to 2.76) compared to belonging to a normal longitudinal BMI trajectory. Adolescent conditional relative weight gain had a suggestive mediation effect of 56% on the association between wGRS and obesity risk at 18 years. Conclusions The results suggest that genetic susceptibility to higher adult BMI can be tracked from childhood in this African population. This supports the notion that prevention of adult obesity should begin early in life. The genetic risk score combined with other non-genetic risk factors, such as BMI trajectory membership in our case, has the potential to be used to screen for early identification of individuals at increased risk of obesity and other related NCD risk factors in order to reduce the adverse health risk outcomes later. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12263-018-0613-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Munthali
- 1Faculty of Science, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,2Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), University of the Witwatersrand, The Mount, 9 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2193 South Africa.,3MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Venesa Sahibdeen
- 2Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), University of the Witwatersrand, The Mount, 9 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2193 South Africa.,4Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Juliana Kagura
- 3MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Liesl M Hendry
- 1Faculty of Science, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,2Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), University of the Witwatersrand, The Mount, 9 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2193 South Africa
| | - Shane A Norris
- 3MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ken K Ong
- 3MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,5MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Felix R Day
- 5MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zané Lombard
- 1Faculty of Science, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,2Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), University of the Witwatersrand, The Mount, 9 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2193 South Africa.,4Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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2
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Mogavero F, Jager A, Glennon JC. Clock genes, ADHD and aggression. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:51-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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3
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Perry LM, Goldstein-Piekarski AN, Williams LM. Sex differences modulating serotonergic polymorphisms implicated in the mechanistic pathways of risk for depression and related disorders. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:737-762. [PMID: 27870440 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite consistent observations of sex differences in depression and related emotional disorders, we do not yet know how these sex differences modulate the effects of genetic polymorphisms implicated in risk for these disorders. This Mini-Review focuses on genetic polymorphisms of the serotonergic system to illustrate how sex differences might modulate the neurobiological pathways involved in the development of depression. We consider the interacting role of environmental factors such as early-life stress. Given limited current knowledge about this topic, we highlight methodological considerations, challenges, and guidelines for future research. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeeAnn M Perry
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Andrea N Goldstein-Piekarski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Leanne M Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
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4
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Fernàndez-Castillo N, Cormand B. Aggressive behavior in humans: Genes and pathways identified through association studies. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171:676-96. [PMID: 26773414 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior has both genetic and environmental components. Many association studies have been performed to identify genetic factors underlying aggressive behaviors in humans. In this review we summarize the previous work performed in this field, considering both candidate gene (CGAS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), excluding those performed in samples where the primary diagnosis is a psychiatric or neurological disorder other than an aggression-related phenotype. Subsequently, we have studied the enrichment of pathways and functions in GWAS data. The results of our searches show that most CGAS have identified associations with genes involved in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission and in hormone regulation. On the other hand, GWAS have not yet identified genome-wide significant associations, but top nominal findings are related to several signaling pathways, such as axon guidance or estrogen receptor signaling, and also to neurodevelopmental processes and synaptic plasticity. Future studies should use larger samples, homogeneous phenotypes and standardized measurements to identify genes that underlie aggressive behaviors in humans. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
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5
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Gressier F, Calati R, Serretti A. 5-HTTLPR and gender differences in affective disorders: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2016; 190:193-207. [PMID: 26519640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) variants have been extensively studied in psychiatric disorders. Although gender effects have been reported, they have not been comprehensively reviewed. The aim of our study was to summarize literature findings on 5-HTTLPR and gender differences in affective disorders. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and PsycINFO databases was performed for dates until January 2015. The included articles (n=78) analyzed the association between 5-HTTLPR and affective spectrum disorders, taking into account gender. The quality of each study was assessed through STROBE and CONSORT. RESULTS 5-HTTLPR modulation of affective disorders varied by gender. The S allele (or SS genotype) seemed to be differently associated with an increased risk of depression, depressive symptoms, anxiety traits and symptoms, and symptoms of internalizing behavior among women and an increased risk of aggressiveness, conduct disorder and symptom counts of externalizing behavior among men. Moreover, the presence of stressful life events reinforced the association. Interestingly, these differences seemed to begin with adolescence and were not consistent among the elderly, suggesting a plausible role of hormonal fluctuations. LIMITATIONS The review is limited by the small number of included papers, due to the paucity of information in the literature regarding 5-HTTLPR and gender. CONCLUSIONS 5-HTTLPR variants may exert a differential modulation on a number of features depending on gender. Further studies are needed to more deeply investigate the effect of 5-HTTLPR×gender on the modulation of affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gressier
- INSERM UMR 1178, Univ Paris Sud, Department of Psychiatry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre University Hospital, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
| | - R Calati
- INSERM U1061, University of Montpellier, FondaMental Foundation, Montpellier, France
| | - A Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Viale Carlo Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy
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Veroude K, Zhang-James Y, Fernàndez-Castillo N, Bakker MJ, Cormand B, Faraone SV. Genetics of aggressive behavior: An overview. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171B:3-43. [PMID: 26345359 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) address three types of aggression: frustrative non-reward, defensive aggression and offensive/proactive aggression. This review sought to present the evidence for genetic underpinnings of aggression and to determine to what degree prior studies have examined phenotypes that fit into the RDoC framework. Although the constructs of defensive and offensive aggression have been widely used in the animal genetics literature, the human literature is mostly agnostic with regard to all the RDoC constructs. We know from twin studies that about half the variance in behavior may be explained by genetic risk factors. This is true for both dimensional, trait-like, measures of aggression and categorical definitions of psychopathology. The non-shared environment seems to have a moderate influence with the effects of shared environment being unclear. Human molecular genetic studies of aggression are in an early stage. The most promising candidates are in the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems along with hormonal regulators. Genome-wide association studies have not yet achieved genome-wide significance, but current samples are too small to detect variants having the small effects one would expect for a complex disorder. The strongest molecular evidence for a genetic basis for aggression comes from animal models comparing aggressive and non-aggressive strains or documenting the effects of gene knockouts. Although we have learned much from these prior studies, future studies should improve the measurement of aggression by using a systematic method of measurement such as that proposed by the RDoC initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Veroude
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yanli Zhang-James
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
| | - Mireille J Bakker
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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7
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Ficks CA, Waldman ID. Candidate genes for aggression and antisocial behavior: a meta-analysis of association studies of the 5HTTLPR and MAOA-uVNTR. Behav Genet 2014; 44:427-44. [PMID: 24902785 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-014-9661-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Variation in central serotonin levels due to genetic mutations or experimental modifications has been associated with the manifestation of aggression in humans and animals. Many studies have examined whether common variants in serotonergic genes are implicated in aggressive or antisocial behaviors (ASB) in human samples. The two most commonly studied polymorphisms have been the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region of the serotonin transporter gene (5HTTLPR) and the 30 base pair variable number of tandem repeats of the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA-uVNTR). Despite the aforementioned theoretical justification for these polymorphisms, findings across studies have been mixed and are thus difficult to interpret. A meta-analysis of associations of the 5HTTLPR and MAOA-uVNTR with ASB was conducted to determine: (1) the overall magnitude of effects for each polymorphism, (2) the extent of heterogeneity in effect sizes across studies and the likelihood of publication bias, and (3) whether sample-level or study-level characteristics could explain observed heterogeneity across studies. Both the 5HTTLPR and the MAOA-uVNTR were significantly associated with ASB across studies. There was also significant and substantial heterogeneity in the effect sizes for both markers, but this heterogeneity was not explained by any sample-level or study-level characteristics examined. We did not find any evidence for publication bias across studies for the MAOA-uVNTR, but there was evidence for an oversampling of statistically significant effect sizes for the 5HTTLPR. These findings provide support for the modest role of common serotonergic variants in ASB. Implications regarding the role of serotonin in antisocial behavior and the conceptualization of antisocial and aggressive phenotypes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Ficks
- Psychology Department, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA,
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8
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Boardman JD, Menard S, Roettger ME, Knight KE, Boutwell BB, Smolen A. Genes in the dopaminergic system and delinquent behaviors across the life course: the role of social controls and risks. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND BEHAVIOR 2014; 41:713-731. [PMID: 25419014 PMCID: PMC4238108 DOI: 10.1177/0093854813514227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the interaction between social control and social risk mechanisms and genes within the dopaminergic system (DAT1 and DRD2) as related to serious and violent forms of delinquent behavior among adolescents and young adults. We use nine waves of data from the National Youth Survey Family Study to examine the relevance of protective or risky social factors at four social levels including school, neighborhood, friends, and family within the gene-environment interaction framework. We extend previous work in this area by providing a testable typology of gene-environment interactions derived from current theories in this area. We find consistent evidence that the associations between putatively risky genotypes and delinquent behavior are suppressed within protective social environments. We also provide some evidence that supports the differential susceptibility hypothesis for these outcomes. Our findings largely confirm the conclusions of previous work and continue to highlight the critical role of the social environment within candidate gene studies of complex behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Boardman
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado ; Department of Sociology, University of Colorado
| | - Scott Menard
- College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University
| | | | - Kelly E Knight
- College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University
| | | | - Andrew Smolen
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado
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9
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Iofrida C, Palumbo S, Pellegrini S. Molecular genetics and antisocial behavior: where do we stand? Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:1514-23. [PMID: 24764243 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214529508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, it has become increasingly evident that control of aggressive behavior is modulated by the individual genetic profile as well. Several candidate genes have been proposed to play a role in the risk to develop antisocial behavior, and distinct brain imaging studies have shown that specific cortical areas may be functionally and/or structurally impaired in impulsive violent subjects on the basis of their genotypes. In this paper, we review the findings regarding four polymorphisms-MAOA (Monoamine oxidase A) uVNTR, SLC6A4 (solute carrier family 6 (neurotransmitter transporter), member 4) 5HTTLPR, COMT (Catechol-O-methyltransferase) Val158Met and DRD4 (dopamine D4 receptor) VNTR 1-11-that all have been found to be associated with an increased vulnerability for antisocial and impulsive behavior in response to aversive environmental conditions. These results, however, have not been replicated by other studies, likely because of crucial methodological discrepancies, including variability in the criteria used to define antisocial behavior and assessment of environmental factors. Finally, it has been recently proposed that these genetic variants may actually increase the individual susceptibility not merely to the negative environmental factors, but to the positive ones as well. In this view, such alleles would play a wider modulatory role, by acting as "plasticity" rather than "vulnerability" genes. Overall, these findings have potential important implications that span well outside of neuroscience and psychiatry, to embrace ethics, philosophy, and the law itself, as they pose new challenges to the very notion of Free Will. Novel properly controlled studies that examine multi-allelic genetic profiles, rather than focusing on distinct single variants, will make it possible to achieve a clearer understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the nature by nurture interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Iofrida
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy
| | - Sara Palumbo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy
| | - Silvia Pellegrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy
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10
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Chung T, Cornelius JR, Martin CS, Ferrell R, Maisto SA, Clark DB. Serotonin Transporter Genotype Linked to Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Outcome through Externalizing Behavior. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:71. [PMID: 25072039 PMCID: PMC4083196 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Meta-analyses suggest that the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) short (S) allele, relative to the long (L) allele, is associated with risk for alcohol dependence, particularly among individuals with early onset antisocial alcoholism. Youth in substance use treatment tend to show antisocial or externalizing behaviors, such as conduct problems, which predict worse treatment outcome. This study examined a pathway in which 5-HTTLPR genotype is associated with externalizing behavior, and the intermediate phenotype of externalizing behavior serves as a link between 5-HTTLPR genotype and substance use treatment outcome in youth. Adolescents (n = 142) who were recruited from addictions treatment were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms (S and LG carriers vs. LALA), assessed for externalizing and internalizing behaviors shortly after starting treatment, and followed over 6-months. 5-HTTLPR genotype was not associated with internalizing behaviors, and was not directly associated with 6-month substance use outcomes. However, 5-HTTLPR genotype was associated with externalizing behaviors (S and LG > LALA), and externalizing behaviors predicted alcohol and marijuana problem severity at 6-month follow-up. Results indicated an indirect (p < 0.05) and non-specific (i.e., both alcohol and marijuana severity) effect of 5-HTTLPR genotype on youth substance use treatment outcomes, with externalizing behaviors as an important linking factor. Adolescents in substance use treatment with low expressing (S and LG) 5-HTTLPR alleles and externalizing behavior might benefit from intervention that addresses serotonergic functioning, externalizing behaviors, and substance use to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Chung
- Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, PA , USA
| | - Jack R Cornelius
- Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, PA , USA
| | - Christopher S Martin
- Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, PA , USA
| | - Robert Ferrell
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA , USA
| | - Stephen A Maisto
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY , USA
| | - Duncan B Clark
- Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, PA , USA
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11
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Tina Kretschmer, Miranda Sentse, Jan Kornelis Dijkstra, René Veenstra. The Interplay Between Peer Rejection and Acceptance in Preadolescence and Early Adolescence, Serotonin Transporter Gene, and Antisocial Behavior in Late Adolescence: The TRAILS Study. MERRILL-PALMER QUARTERLY-JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.13110/merrpalmquar1982.60.2.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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12
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Harden KP. Genetic influences on adolescent sexual behavior: Why genes matter for environmentally oriented researchers. Psychol Bull 2013; 140:434-65. [PMID: 23855958 DOI: 10.1037/a0033564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are dramatic individual differences among adolescents in how and when they become sexually active adults, and early sexual activity is frequently cited as a cause of concern for scientists, policymakers, and the general public. Understanding the causes and developmental impact of adolescent sexual activity can be furthered by considering genes as a source of individual differences. Quantitative behavioral genetics (i.e., twin and family studies) and candidate gene association studies now provide clear evidence for the genetic underpinnings of individual differences in adolescent sexual behavior and related phenotypes. Genetic influences on sexual behavior may operate through a variety of direct and indirect mechanisms, including pubertal development, testosterone levels, and dopaminergic systems. Genetic differences may be systematically associated with exposure to environments that are commonly treated as causes of sexual behavior (gene-environment correlation). Possible gene-environment correlations pose a serious challenge for interpreting the results of much behavioral research. Multivariate, genetically informed research on adolescent sexual behavior compares twins and family members as a form of quasi experiment: How do twins who differ in their sexual experiences differ in their later development? The small but growing body of genetically informed research has already challenged dominant assumptions regarding the etiology and sequelae of adolescent sexual behavior, with some studies indicating possible positive effects of teenage sexuality. Studies of Gene × Environment interaction may further elucidate the mechanisms by which genes and environments combine to shape the development of sexual behavior and its psychosocial consequences. Overall, the existence of heritable variation in adolescent sexual behavior has profound implications for environmentally oriented theory and research.
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13
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McGrath LM, Weill S, Robinson EB, Macrae R, Smoller JW. Bringing a developmental perspective to anxiety genetics. Dev Psychopathol 2012; 24:1179-93. [PMID: 23062290 PMCID: PMC3721501 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579412000636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite substantial recent advancements in psychiatric genetic research, progress in identifying the genetic basis of anxiety disorders has been limited. We review the candidate gene and genome-wide literatures in anxiety, which have made limited progress to date. We discuss several reasons for this hindered progress, including small samples sizes, heterogeneity, complicated comorbidity profiles, and blurred lines between normative and pathological anxiety. To address many of these challenges, we suggest a developmental, multivariate framework that can inform and enhance anxiety phenotypes for genetic research. We review the psychiatric and genetic epidemiological evidence that supports such a framework, including the early onset and chronic course of anxiety disorders, shared genetic risk factors among disorders both within and across time, and developmentally dynamic genetic influences. We propose three strategies for developmentally sensitive phenotyping: examination of early temperamental risk factors, use of latent factors to model underlying anxiety liability, and use of developmental trajectories as phenotypes. Expanding the range of phenotypic approaches will be important for advancing studies of the genetic architecture of anxiety disorders.
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14
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McGrath LM, Mustanski B, Metzger A, Pine DS, Kistner-Griffin E, Cook E, Wakschlag LS. A latent modeling approach to genotype-phenotype relationships: maternal problem behavior clusters, prenatal smoking, and MAOA genotype. Arch Womens Ment Health 2012; 15:269-82. [PMID: 22610759 PMCID: PMC3734947 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-012-0286-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study illustrates the application of a latent modeling approach to genotype-phenotype relationships and gene × environment interactions, using a novel, multidimensional model of adult female problem behavior, including maternal prenatal smoking. The gene of interest is the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene which has been well studied in relation to antisocial behavior. Participants were adult women (N = 192) who were sampled from a prospective pregnancy cohort of non-Hispanic, white individuals recruited from a neighborhood health clinic. Structural equation modeling was used to model a female problem behavior phenotype, which included conduct problems, substance use, impulsive-sensation seeking, interpersonal aggression, and prenatal smoking. All of the female problem behavior dimensions clustered together strongly, with the exception of prenatal smoking. A main effect of MAOA genotype and a MAOA × physical maltreatment interaction were detected with the Conduct Problems factor. Our phenotypic model showed that prenatal smoking is not simply a marker of other maternal problem behaviors. The risk variant in the MAOA main effect and interaction analyses was the high activity MAOA genotype, which is discrepant from consensus findings in male samples. This result contributes to an emerging literature on sex-specific interaction effects for MAOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. M. McGrath
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Building 6th floor, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - B. Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - A. Metzger
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - D. S. Pine
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - E. Kistner-Griffin
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - E. Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - L. S. Wakschlag
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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15
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Stephens SH, Hoft NR, Schlaepfer IR, Young SE, Corley RC, McQueen MB, Hopfer C, Crowley T, Stallings M, Hewitt J, Ehringer MA. Externalizing behaviors are associated with SNPs in the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 gene cluster. Behav Genet 2012; 42:402-14. [PMID: 22042234 PMCID: PMC3506120 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-011-9514-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
There is strong evidence for shared genetic factors contributing to childhood externalizing disorders and substance abuse. Externalizing disorders often precede early substance experimentation, leading to the idea that individuals inherit a genetic vulnerability to generalized disinhibitory psychopathology. Genetic variation in the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 gene cluster has been associated with early substance experimentation, nicotine dependence, and other drug behaviors. This study examines whether the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 locus is correlated also with externalizing behaviors in three independent longitudinally assessed adolescent samples. We developed a common externalizing behavior phenotype from the available measures in the three samples, and tested for association with 10 SNPs in the gene cluster. Significant results were detected in two of the samples, including rs8040868, which remained significant after controlling for smoking quantity. These results expand on previous work focused mainly on drug behaviors, and support the hypothesis that variation in the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 locus is associated with early externalizing behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H. Stephens
- Departments of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Nicole R. Hoft
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Isabel R. Schlaepfer
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Denver
| | - Susan E. Young
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Robin C. Corley
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Matthew B. McQueen
- Departments of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | | | - Thomas Crowley
- Departments of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver
| | - Michael Stallings
- Departments of Psychology, University of Colorado Boulder
- Departments of Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - John Hewitt
- Departments of Psychology, University of Colorado Boulder
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Marissa A. Ehringer
- Departments of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder
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16
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The effects of allostatic load on neural systems subserving motivation, mood regulation, and social affiliation. Dev Psychopathol 2011; 23:975-99. [PMID: 22018077 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579411000459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe term allostasis, which is defined as stability through change, has been invoked repeatedly by developmental psychopathologists to describe long-lasting and in some cases permanent functional alterations in limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis responding following recurrent and/or prolonged exposure to stress. Increasingly, allostatic load models have also been invoked to describe psychological sequelae of abuse, neglect, and other forms of maltreatment. In contrast, neural adaptations to stress, including those incurred by monoamine systems implicated in (a) mood and emotion regulation, (b) behavioral approach, and (c) social affiliation and attachment, are usually not included in models of allostasis. Rather, structural and functional alterations in these systems, which are exquisitely sensitive to prolonged stress exposure, are usually explained as stress mediators, neural plasticity, and/or programming effects. Considering these mechanisms as distinct from allostasis is somewhat artificial given overlapping functions and intricate coregulation of monoamines and the limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. It also fractionates literatures that should be mutually informative. In this article, we describe structural and functional alterations in serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic neural systems following both acute and prolonged exposure to stress. Through increases in behavioral impulsivity, trait anxiety, mood and emotion dysregulation, and asociality, alterations in monoamine functioning have profound effects on personality, attachment relationships, and the emergence of psychopathology.
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