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Markett S, Nothdurfter D, Focsa A, Reuter M, Jawinski P. Attention networks and the intrinsic network structure of the human brain. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 43:1431-1448. [PMID: 34882908 PMCID: PMC8837576 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention network theory distinguishes three independent systems, each supported by its own distributed network: an alerting network to deploy attentional resources in anticipation, an orienting network to direct attention to a cued location, and a control network to select relevant information at the expense of concurrently available information. Ample behavioral and neuroimaging evidence supports the dissociation of the three attention domains. The strong assumption that each attentional system is realized through a separable network, however, raises the question how these networks relate to the intrinsic network structure of the brain. Our understanding of brain networks has advanced majorly in the past years due to the increasing focus on brain connectivity. The brain is intrinsically organized into several large‐scale networks whose modular structure persists across task states. Existing proposals on how the presumed attention networks relate to intrinsic networks rely mostly on anecdotal and partly contradictory arguments. We addressed this issue by mapping different attention networks at the level of cifti‐grayordinates. Resulting group maps were compared to the group‐level topology of 23 intrinsic networks, which we reconstructed from the same participants' resting state fMRI data. We found that all attention domains recruited multiple and partly overlapping intrinsic networks and converged in the dorsal fronto‐parietal and midcingulo‐insular network. While we observed a preference of each attentional domain for its own set of intrinsic networks, implicated networks did not match well to those proposed in the literature. Our results indicate a necessary refinement of the attention network theory.
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2
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Penke L, Denissen JJA, Miller GF. Evolution, genes, and inter‐disciplinary personality research. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/per.657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Most commentaries welcomed an evolutionary genetic approach to personality, but several raised concerns about our integrative model. In response, we clarify the scientific status of evolutionary genetic theory and explain the plausibility and value of our evolutionary genetic model of personality, despite some shortcomings with the currently available theories and data. We also have a closer look at mate choice for personality traits, point to promising ways to assess evolutionarily relevant environmental factors and defend higher‐order personality domains and the g‐factor as the best units for evolutionary genetic analyses. Finally, we discuss which extensions of and alternatives to our model appear most fruitful, and end with a call for more inter‐disciplinary personality research grounded in evolutionary theory. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Penke
- Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School LIFE, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Reuter M, Felten A, Zamoscik V, Bravo R, Ugartemendia L, Kirsch P, Rodriguez AB, Plieger T. Genetic and epigenetic serotonergic markers predict the ability to recognize mental states. Physiol Behav 2020; 227:113143. [PMID: 32822711 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The serotonergic (5-HT) system is related to affective and cognitive processes and explains behavioral variability in the normal and psychopathological range. For this reason, the hypothesis was put forward that genetic and epigenetic markers related to 5-HT metabolism predict individual differences in social cognitive functioning. Social cognitions are complex mental processes necessary for perceiving, interpreting and reacting to the behaviors of others. In order to test this hypothesis one of the most prominent theory of mind tasks, the reading the mind in the eye test (RMET), was administered to N = 435 participants and measures of performance were related to the functional MAO-A VNTR polymorphism (relevant for 5-HT catabolism) and to epigenetic markers in the promoter of the TPH-2 gene (relevant for 5-HT synthesis). It was postulated that genetic and epigenetic markers of high 5-HT activity are positively related to RMET performance. Results show that the MAO-A high activity allele, together with the degree of methylation at a promoter CpG site on the TPH-2 gene explain significant proportions of variance in the RMET performance even after controlling for age and sex effects. Present findings yield evidence for the importance of 5-HT for social cognition. Based on additional findings, the role of a TRP-rich diet for theory of mind functions is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reuter
- University of Bonn, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Germany.
| | - Andrea Felten
- University of Bonn, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Germany
| | - Vera Zamoscik
- University of Bonn, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology. Central Institute of Mental Health. Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University. Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rafael Bravo
- Chrononutrition Laboratory. Neuroimmunephysiology & Chrononutrition Research Group. Faculty of Science. University of Extremadura. Badajoz, Spain
| | - Lierni Ugartemendia
- Chrononutrition Laboratory. Neuroimmunephysiology & Chrononutrition Research Group. Faculty of Science. University of Extremadura. Badajoz, Spain
| | - Peter Kirsch
- Department of Clinical Psychology. Central Institute of Mental Health. Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University. Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ana B Rodriguez
- Chrononutrition Laboratory. Neuroimmunephysiology & Chrononutrition Research Group. Faculty of Science. University of Extremadura. Badajoz, Spain
| | - Thomas Plieger
- University of Bonn, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Germany
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Aquili L. The Role of Tryptophan and Tyrosine in Executive Function and Reward Processing. Int J Tryptophan Res 2020; 13:1178646920964825. [PMID: 33149600 PMCID: PMC7586026 DOI: 10.1177/1178646920964825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonergic precursor tryptophan and the dopaminergic precursor tyrosine have been shown to be important modulators of mood, behaviour and cognition. Specifically, research on the function of tryptophan has characterised this molecule as particularly relevant in the context of pathological disorders such as depression. Moreover, a large body of evidence has now been accumulated to suggest that tryptophan may also be involved in executive function and reward processing. Despite some clear differentiation with tryptophan, the data reviewed in this paper illustrates that tyrosine shares similar functions with tryptophan in the regulation of executive function and reward, and that these processes in turn, rather than acting in isolation, causally influence each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Aquili
- College of Health & Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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5
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Creativity and ADHD: A review of behavioral studies, the effect of psychostimulants and neural underpinnings. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:66-85. [PMID: 33035524 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a debilitating disorder and most research therefore focuses on its deficits and its treatment. Research on the potential positive sides of ADHD is limited, and although a comprehensive overview of empirical studies on this subject is missing, it has been suggested that ADHD is associated with enhanced creativity. To identify important relations, trends and gaps in the literature, we review 31 behavioral studies on creativity and ADHD, distinguishing different research designs, age groups, creativity measurements and effects of psychostimulants, as well as reflecting the potential underlying neural mechanisms of creativity and ADHD. Most studies find evidence for increased divergent thinking for those with high ADHD scores (subclinical) but not for those with the disorder (clinical). The rates of creative abilities/achievements were high among both clinical and subclinical groups. We found no evidence for increased convergent thinking abilities in ADHD, nor did we find an overall negative effect of psychostimulants on creativity. Neuroscientific findings suggest candidate regions as well as mechanisms that should be studied further to increase our understanding of the relationship between creativity and ADHD. We propose research opportunities to boost the knowledge needed to better understand the potential positive side of ADHD.
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Wigner P, Saluk-Bijak J, Synowiec E, Miller E, Sliwinski T, Cichon N, Bijak M. Variation of Genes Encoding Tryptophan Catabolites Pathway Enzymes in Stroke. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8122133. [PMID: 31817010 PMCID: PMC6947300 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormal activation of the tryptophan catabolites pathway (TRYCATs) is observed in patients suffering from cerebrovascular disease, including stroke. A previous study confirmed that lower bioavailability of tryptophan for serotonin synthesis was characterized in the patients during the acute stroke phase. Interestingly, according to various studies, polymorphisms of the genes involved in the TRYCATs pathway may modulate the risk of stroke occurrence. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the occurrence of TPH1, TPH2, KAT1, KAT2 and IDO1 polymorphisms and the risk of stroke development.The following 10 polymorphisms of the genes encoding enzymes of the TRYCATs pathway were selected: c.804-7C > A (rs10488682), c.-1668T > A (rs623580), c.803+221C > A (rs1800532), c.-173A > T (rs1799913) - TPH1, c.-1449C > A (rs7963803), and c.-844G > T (rs4570625) - TPH2. c.*456G > A of KAT1 (rs10988134), c.975-7T > C of KAT2 (rs1480544), c.-1849C > A (rs3824259) and c. -1493G > C (rs10089084) of IDO1. The study was carried out on DNA isolated from the peripheral blood taken from 107 patients after a stroke and 107 healthy volunteers. All DNA samples were genotyped using TaqMan probes. The genotypes of eight studied polymorphisms modulated the risk of stroke. No significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of the c.804-7C > A -TPH1 (rs10488682) and c.*456G > A - KAT1 (rs10988134) polymorphisms were found between patients and controls. Having performed haplotype and gen-gen analyses, it was possible to determine that patients after a stroke and controls differed in terms of the frequency of selected genotypes and haplotypes. Among the studied polymorphisms, eight SNPs were linked with stroke risk modulation. The results obtained confirmed our hypothesis regarding the involvement of the TRYCATs pathway in the pathogenesis of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Wigner
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (P.W.)
| | - Joanna Saluk-Bijak
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewelina Synowiec
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (P.W.)
| | - Elzbieta Miller
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, Poland, Milionowa 14, 93-113 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Sliwinski
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (P.W.)
| | - Natalia Cichon
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Michal Bijak
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-635-43-36
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7
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Posner MI, Rothbart MK. Temperament and brain networks of attention. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2017.0254. [PMID: 29483356 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The attention networks of the human brain are important control systems that develop from infancy into adulthood. While they are common to everyone, they differ in efficiency, forming the basis of individual differences in attention. We have developed methods for measuring the efficiency of these networks in older children and adults and have also examined their development from infancy. During infancy the alerting and orienting networks are dominant in control of the infant's actions, but later an executive network dominates. Each network has been associated with its main neuromodulator and these have led to associations with genes related to that network neuromodulator. The links between parent reports of their child's effortful control and the executive attention network allow us to associate molecular mechanisms to fundamental behavioural outcomes.This article is part of the theme issue 'Diverse perspectives on diversity: multi-disciplinary approaches to taxonomies of individual differences'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Posner
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Mary K Rothbart
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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Hutchison SM, Mâsse LC, Brain U, Oberlander TF. A 6-year longitudinal study: Are maternal depressive symptoms and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment during pregnancy associated with everyday measures of executive function in young children? Early Hum Dev 2019; 128:21-26. [PMID: 30447406 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Building on research reports that early and chronic exposure to maternal depressive symptoms (MDS) adversely affects children's developing executive function (EF), this longitudinal study examined whether exposure to MDS and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment during pregnancy predicted individual differences in EF at school age. METHODS In a longitudinal prospective cohort, maternal report of EF using the Behavior Rating Inventory of EF (BRIEF) was obtained from 139 children (77 females; non-exposed n = 88, SSRI exposed n = 51) at age 6 years. Clinician rated and self reports of MDS were also obtained spanning from the 2nd trimester to 6 years postpartum. RESULTS Higher levels of MDS, especially at 3 years, were associated with poorer maternal reports of EF skills at 6 years. Associations between prenatal SSRI exposure and EF outcomes were not significant, even when controlling for maternal education and MDS at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS Postnatal exposure to MDS adversely effects developing child EF, even when maternal symptoms were treated with an SSRI antidepressant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Hutchison
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada.
| | - Louise C Mâsse
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | - Ursula Brain
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | - Tim F Oberlander
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada
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9
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Gärtner A, Strobel A, Reif A, Lesch KP, Enge S. Genetic variation in serotonin function impacts on altruistic punishment in the ultimatum game: A longitudinal approach. Brain Cogn 2018; 125:37-44. [PMID: 29859448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates that the serotonin system influences punishment behavior in social decision-making and that individual differences in the propensity to punish are, at least in part, due to genetic variation. However, the specific genes and their mechanisms by which they influence punishment behavior are not yet fully characterized. Here, we examined whether serotonin system-related gene variation impacts on altruistic punishment in the ultimatum game by using a longitudinal approach with three time points, covering a time frame up to four months in young adults (N = 106). Specifically, we investigated additive effects of 5-HTTLPR and TPH2 G-703T genotypes by using a composite score. This composite score was significantly associated with altruistic punishment, with individuals carrying both the S-allele and the G-allele demonstrating less punishment behavior. The results suggest that serotonin system-related gene variation contributes to individual differences in altruistic punishment. Furthermore, comparably high test-retest correlations suggest that punishment behavior in the ultimatum game represents a relatively stable, trait-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gärtner
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Alexander Strobel
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sören Enge
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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10
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TPH2 polymorphisms across the spectrum of psychiatric morbidity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 92:29-42. [PMID: 29775696 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) is the rate-limiting enzyme in brain serotonin synthesis. The TPH2 gene has frequently been investigated in relation to psychiatric morbidity. The aim of the present review is to integrate results from association studies between TPH2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and various psychiatric disorders, which we furthermore quantified with meta-analysis. We reviewed 166 studies investigating 69 TPH2 SNPs in a broad range of psychiatric disorders, including over 30,000 patients. According to our meta-analysis, TPH2 polymorphisms show strongest associations with mood disorders, suicide (attempt) and schizophrenia. Despite small effect sizes, we conclude that TPH2 SNPs in the coding and non-coding areas (rs4570625, rs11178997, rs11178998, rs10748185, rs1843809, rs4290270, rs17110747) are each associated with one or more psychopathological conditions. Our findings highlight the possible common serotonergic mechanisms of the investigated psychiatric disorders. Yet, the functional relevance of most TPH2 polymorphisms is unclear. Characterizing how exactly the different TPH2 variants influence the serotonergic neurotransmission is a next necessary step in understanding the psychiatric disorders where serotonin is implicated.
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11
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Wigner P, Czarny P, Synowiec E, Bijak M, Białek K, Talarowska M, Galecki P, Szemraj J, Sliwinski T. Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of TPH1 and TPH2 genes, and depressive disorders. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:1778-1791. [PMID: 29314569 PMCID: PMC5824396 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan catabolites pathway disorders are observed in patients with depression. Moreover, single nucleotide polymorphisms of tryptophan hydroxylase genes may modulate the risk of depression occurrence. The objective of our study was to confirm the association between the presence of polymorphic variants of TPH1 and TPH2 genes, and the development of depressive disorders. Six polymorphisms were selected: c.804-7C>A (rs10488682), c.-1668T>A (rs623580), c.803+221C>A (rs1800532), c.-173A>T (rs1799913)-TPH1, c.-1449C>A (rs7963803), and c.-844G>T (rs4570625)-TPH2. A total of 510 DNA samples (230 controls and 280 patients) were genotyped using TaqMan probes. Among the studied polymoorphisms, the G/G genotype and G allele of c.804-7C>A-TPH1, the T/T homozygote of c.803+221C>A-TPH1, the A/A genotype and A allele of c.1668T>A-TPH1, the G/G homozygote and G allele of c.-844G>T-TPH2, and the C/A heterozygote and A allele of c.-1449C>A-TPH2 were associated with the occurrence of depression. However, the T/T homozygote of c.-1668T>A-TPH1, the G/T heterozygote and T allele of c.-844G>T-TPH2, and the C/C homozygote and C allele of c.-1449C>A-TPH2 decreased the risk of development of depressive disorders. Each of the studied polymorphisms modulated the risk of depression for selected genotypes and alleles. These results support the hypothesis regarding the involvement of the pathway in the pathogenesis of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Wigner
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsDepartment of Molecular GeneticsFaculty of Biology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of LodzLodzPoland
| | - Piotr Czarny
- Department of Medical BiochemistryMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | - Ewelina Synowiec
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsDepartment of Molecular GeneticsFaculty of Biology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of LodzLodzPoland
| | - Michał Bijak
- Department of General BiochemistryFaculty of Biology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of LodzLodzPoland
| | - Katarzyna Białek
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsDepartment of Molecular GeneticsFaculty of Biology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of LodzLodzPoland
| | | | - Piotr Galecki
- Department of Adult PsychiatryMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | - Janusz Szemraj
- Department of Medical BiochemistryMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | - Tomasz Sliwinski
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsDepartment of Molecular GeneticsFaculty of Biology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of LodzLodzPoland
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Rothbart MK, Posner MI, Rueda MR, Sheese BE, Tang Y. Enhancing Self - Regulation in School and Clinic. MINNESOTA SYMPOSIA ON CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119466864.ch4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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13
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Markett S, de Reus MA, Reuter M, Montag C, Weber B, Schoene-Bake JC, van den Heuvel MP. Serotonin and the Brain's Rich Club-Association Between Molecular Genetic Variation on the TPH2 Gene and the Structural Connectome. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:2166-2174. [PMID: 26975194 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rich club comprises a densely mutually connected set of hub regions in the brain, thought to serve as a processing and integration core. We assessed the impact of normal variation of the tryptophane hydroxylase 2 gene's promotor region (TPH2 rs4570625) on structural connectivity of the rich club pathways by means of a candidate gene association design. Tryptophane hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of serotonin and is known to inhibit, in addition to its role as a trans-synaptic messenger, axonal and dendritic growth. The TPH2 T-variant has been associated with reduced mRNA expression and reduced serotonin levels, which may particularly influence the development of macroscale anatomical connectivity. Here, we show larger mean connectivity in the rich club in carriers of the T-variant, suggesting potential effects of upregulation of neural connectivity growth in this central core system. In addition, by edge-removal statistics, we show that the TPH2-associated higher levels of rich club connectivity are of importance for the functioning of the total structural network. The observed association is speculated to result from an effect of serotonin levels on brain development, potentially leading to stronger structural connectivity in heavily interconnected hubs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcel A de Reus
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Reuter
- Department of Psychology.,Center for Economics and Neuroscience
| | | | - Bernd Weber
- Center for Economics and Neuroscience.,Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn, Germany.,Neuroimaging Section, Life and Brain Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan-Christoph Schoene-Bake
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn, Germany.,Neuroimaging Section, Life and Brain Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martijn P van den Heuvel
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Savage JE, Sawyers C, Roberson-Nay R, Hettema JM. The genetics of anxiety-related negative valence system traits. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2017; 174:156-177. [PMID: 27196537 PMCID: PMC5349709 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
NIMH's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) domain of negative valence systems (NVS) captures constructs of negative affect such as fear and distress traditionally subsumed under the various internalizing disorders. Through its aims to capture dimensional measures that cut across diagnostic categories and are linked to underlying neurobiological systems, a large number of phenotypic constructs have been proposed as potential research targets. Since "genes" represent a central "unit of analysis" in the RDoC matrix, it is important for studies going forward to apply what is known about the genetics of these phenotypes as well as fill in the gaps of existing knowledge. This article reviews the extant genetic epidemiological data (twin studies, heritability) and molecular genetic association findings for a broad range of putative NVS phenotypic measures. We find that scant genetic epidemiological data is available for experimentally derived measures such as attentional bias, peripheral physiology, or brain-based measures of threat response. The molecular genetic basis of NVS phenotypes is in its infancy, since most studies have focused on a small number of candidate genes selected for putative association to anxiety disorders (ADs). Thus, more research is required to provide a firm understanding of the genetic aspects of anxiety-related NVS constructs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne E. Savage
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Chelsea Sawyers
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Roxann Roberson-Nay
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - John M. Hettema
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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15
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16
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Impact of DRD2/ANKK1 and COMT Polymorphisms on Attention and Cognitive Functions in Schizophrenia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170147. [PMID: 28085950 PMCID: PMC5235377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive deficits such as poor selective attention and executive functions decline have been reported in patients with schizophrenia. Many studies have emphasized the role of dopamine in regulating cognitive functions in the general population as well as in schizophrenia. However, the relationship between cognitive processes, schizophrenia and dopaminergic candidate genes is an original approach given interesting results. The purpose of the current exploratory study was to examine the interaction of dopaminergic genes (coding for dopamine receptor D2, DRD2, and for Catecholamine-O-Methyl-Transferase, COMT) with the diagnostic of schizophrenia in (i) the executive control of attention, (ii) selective attention, and (iii) executive functions. METHODS AND RESULTS We recruited 52 patients with schizophrenia and 53 healthy controls who performed the Stroop Color-Word Test, the Attention Network Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting test. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DRD2 gene (rs6275, rs6277, rs2242592 and rs1800497) and two SNPs in the COMT gene (rs4680 and rs165599) have been genotyped. Patients with schizophrenia performed significantly worse than controls in all cognitive performance, taking into account demographic variables. A significant gene by disease interaction was found for the Stroop interference (p = 0.002) for rs6275 of the DRD2 gene. The COMT Val/Val genotype and schizophrenia were associated with increased number of perseverative errors (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In our study, the DRD2 gene is involved in attention while the COMT gene is implicated in executive functions in patients with schizophrenia.
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A Novel Interaction between Tryptophan Hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) Gene Polymorphism (rs4570625) and BDNF Val66Met Predicts a High-Risk Emotional Phenotype in Healthy Subjects. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162585. [PMID: 27695066 PMCID: PMC5047464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor inhibitory processing of negative emotional content is central to many psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that core aspects of emotion-inhibitory processing are largely inherited and as such may represent a key intermediate or risk-related phenotype for common affective diseases (e.g., unipolar depressive, anxiety disorders). The current study employed a candidate-gene approach in order to most effectively examine this complex behavioral phenotype. We examined the novel interaction between BDNF (Val66Met) and TPH2 (rs4570625) polymorphisms and their influence on behavioral inhibition of negative emotion in two independent investigations of healthy adults. BDNF Met carriers consistently report greater symptoms of affective disease and display corresponding behavioral rigidity, while TPH2 T carriers display poor inhibitory processing. These genotypes are traditionally perceived as ‘risk’ genotypes when compared to their respective major Val and G homozygous genotypes, but evidence is mixed. Recent studies in humans and mutant mouse models suggest biological epistasis between BDNF and genes involved in serotonin regulation. Moreover, polymorphisms in the TPH2 gene may have greater influence on serotonergic function than other more commonly studied polymorphisms (e.g., 5-HTTLPR). We observed consistent evidence across two different emotion-inhibition paradigms, one with high internal validity (Study 1, n = 119) and one with high ecological validity (Study 2, n = 115) that the combination of Val/Val and G/G genotypes was clearly associated with impaired inhibition of negative emotional content. This was followed by individuals carrying the BDNF—Met allele (including Met/Val and Met/Met) when combined with the TPH2—T allele (including T/G and T/T combinations). The consistency of these results across tasks and studies suggests that these two groups may be particularly vulnerable to the most common psychiatric disorders and should be targets for future clinical investigation.
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Serotonin-Related Gene Polymorphisms and Asymptomatic Neurocognitive Impairment in HIV-Infected Alcohol Abusers. GENETICS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:7169172. [PMID: 27069689 PMCID: PMC4812279 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7169172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
HIV-infected individuals continue to experience neurocognitive deterioration despite virologically successful treatments. While the cause remains unclear, evidence suggests that HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) may be associated with neurobehavioral dysfunction. Genetic variants have been explored to identify risk markers to determine neuropathogenesis of neurocognitive deterioration. Memory deficits and executive dysfunction are highly prevalent among HIV-infected adults. These conditions can affect their quality of life and HIV risk-taking behaviors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the SLC6A4, TPH2, and GALM genes may affect the activity of serotonin and increase the risk of HAND. The present study explored the relationship between SLC6A4, TPH2, and GALM genes and neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected alcohol abusers. A total of 267 individuals were genotyped for polymorphisms in SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR, TPH2 rs4570625, and GALM rs6741892. To assess neurocognitive functions, the Short Category and the Auditory Verbal Learning Tests were used. TPH2 SNP rs4570625 showed a significant association with executive function in African American males (odds ratio 4.8, 95% CI, 1.5–14.8; P = 0.005). Similarly, GALM SNP rs6741892 showed an increased risk with African American males (odds ratio 2.4, 95% CI, 1.2–4.9; P = 0.02). This study suggests that TPH2 rs4570625 and GALM rs6741892 polymorphisms may be risk factors for HAND.
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Nobile M, Bianchi V, Monzani D, Beri S, Bellina M, Greco A, Colombo P, Tesei A, Caldirola D, Giorda R, Perna G, Molteni M. Effect of family structure and TPH2 G-703T on the stability of dysregulation profile throughout adolescence. J Affect Disord 2016; 190:576-584. [PMID: 26583347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two different polymorphisms (TPH2 G-703T and 5-HTTLPR) involved in the serotonergic pathway have been reported to play a role, both alone and in interaction with the environment, in early and adult emotion regulation. As most of these studies are cross-sectional, we know little about the impact of these polymorphisms over time, particularly during adolescence. METHODS Because we were interested in the effects of these polymorphisms and environment (i.e., family structure) at different time-points on the emotional dysregulation profile, we performed a path analysis model in a general adolescent population sample of a five-year follow-up study. RESULTS We found a high stability of Dysregulation Profile problems independently from the examined allelic variants. We also found that early family structure directly influences the levels of dysregulation problems in early adolescence, both alone and in interaction with TPH2, suggesting the presence of a gene-environment interaction effect. Furthermore, we found that in adolescents homozygous for the TPH2 G allele, the effect of the early family structure remains active during late adolescence, albeit mediated by earlier emotional problems. LIMITATIONS The high attrition rate, the use of only one source on behavioral problems of adolescents, and the focus on a single polymorphism in the investigated genes could limit the generalizability of the present results. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that early family structure could play a significant role in the development and maintenance of emotional and behavioral problems not only in early adolescence but also in late-adolescence, although this effect was mediated and moderated by behavioral and genetic variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nobile
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hermanas Hospitalarias, FoRiPsi, Albese con Cassano, Italy.
| | - Valentina Bianchi
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy; Institute of Molecular Imaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Monzani
- Department of Psychology, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvana Beri
- Molecular Biology Lab, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Monica Bellina
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Andrea Greco
- Department of Psychology, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Colombo
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tesei
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Daniela Caldirola
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hermanas Hospitalarias, FoRiPsi, Albese con Cassano, Italy
| | - Roberto Giorda
- Molecular Biology Lab, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Perna
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hermanas Hospitalarias, FoRiPsi, Albese con Cassano, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
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Effect of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 gene polymorphism G-703 T on personality in a population representative sample. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 57:31-5. [PMID: 25455586 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The tryptophan hydroxylase-2 gene (TPH2) is coding for the key enzyme of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis in the brain and has been associated with a number of psychiatric conditions. A functional variation in the TPH2 gene (G-703T, rs4570625) has been found to affect anxiety-related personality; however, information is very limited regarding the five factor model (FFM) personality traits. We have examined the association of the TPH2 G-703T polymorphism with FFM personality traits, and the possible modulation by the functional variation in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) in a large longitudinal population representative sample. The FFM personality traits were assessed in both birth cohorts of the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study at ages 15 (n=742) and 18 (n=834). Significant association of the TPH2 genotype with Neuroticism and Conscientiousness was found at age 15, and with Extraversion and Conscientiousness at age 18. Participants with the T/T genotype scored significantly lower on Neuroticism and higher on Conscientiousness and Extraversion scales. In addition, a gene×gene interaction effect on Conscientiousness was revealed: the TPH2 genotype effect was evident only in the 5-HTTLPR S-allele carriers. These results provide further evidence on the possible role of genetic variations in 5-HT neurotransmission on development of personality traits, and suggest a functional interaction between two key proteins in the 5-HT-ergic system.
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Abstract
To understand the problem of multitasking, it is necessary to examine the brain's attention networks that underlie the ability to switch attention between stimuli and tasks and to maintain a single focus among distractors. In this paper we discuss the development of brain networks related to the functions of achieving the alert state, orienting to sensory events, and developing self-control. These brain networks are common to everyone, but their efficiency varies among individuals and reflects both genes and experience. Training can alter brain networks. We consider two forms of training: (1) practice in tasks that involve particular networks, and (2) changes in brain state through such practices as meditation that may influence many networks. Playing action video games and multitasking are themselves methods of training the brain that can lead to improved performance but also to overdependence on media activity. We consider both of these outcomes and ideas about how to resist overdependence on media. Overall, our paper seeks to inform the reader about what has been learned about attention that can influence multitasking over the course of development.
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Abstract
Brain networks underlying attention are present even during infancy and are critical for the developing ability of children to control their emotions and thoughts. For adults, individual differences in the efficiency of attentional networks have been related to neuromodulators and to genetic variations. We have examined the development of attentional networks and child temperament in a longitudinal study from infancy (7 months) to middle childhood (7 years). Early temperamental differences among infants, including smiling and laughter and vocal reactivity, are related to self-regulation abilities at 7 years. However, genetic variations related to adult executive attention, while present in childhood, are poor predictors of later control, in part because individual genetic variationmay have many small effects and in part because their influence occurs in interaction with caregiver behavior and other environmental influences. While brain areas involved in attention are present during infancy, their connectivity changes and leads to improvement in control of behavior. It is also possible to influence control mechanisms through training later in life. The relation between maturation and learning may allow advances in our understanding of human brain development.
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Rominger C, Weiss EM, Nagl S, Niederstätter H, Parson W, Papousek I. Carriers of the COMT Met/Met allele have higher degrees of hypnotizability, provided that they have good attentional control: a case of gene-trait interaction. Int J Clin Exp Hypn 2014; 62:455-82. [PMID: 25084618 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2014.931177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors may explain part of the interindividual variability in hypnotizability. A new avenue that may provide more comprehensive understanding of the phenotypic effects of genetic variations is the study of gene-trait interaction. In this study, the authors investigate the relationship of the dopamine-related COMT and the serotonin-related 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms to hypnotizability by taking individual differences in executive attention into account. Homozygosity for the COMT Met allele, putatively linked to the capability or proneness to dissociate from reality, was associated with high hypnotizability only if paired with high-attention ability. The finding can be integrated into hypnosis theory and represents a case of gene-trait interaction suggesting that investigating the effects of a gene in the context of relevant psychological traits may further elucidate gene-brain-behavior relationships.
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Weikum WM, Brain U, Chau CMY, Grunau RE, Boyce WT, Diamond A, Oberlander TF. Prenatal serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressant exposure and serotonin transporter promoter genotype (SLC6A4) influence executive functions at 6 years of age. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:180. [PMID: 24130516 PMCID: PMC3795328 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants and maternal depression may affect prefrontal cognitive skills (executive functions; EFs) including self-control, working memory and cognitive flexibility. We examined long-term effects of prenatal SRI exposure on EFs to determine whether effects are moderated by maternal mood and/or genetic variations in SLC6A4 (a gene that codes for the serotonin transporter [5-HTT] central to the regulation of synaptic serotonin levels and behavior). Children who were exposed to SRIs prenatally (SRI-exposed N = 26) and non-exposed (N = 38) were studied at age 6 years (M = 6.3; SD = 0.5) using the Hearts & Flowers task (H&F) to assess EFs. Maternal mood was measured during pregnancy (3rd trimester) and when the child was age 6 years (Hamilton Depression Scale). Parent reports of child behavior were also obtained (MacArthur Health & Behavior Questionnaire). Parents of prenatally SRI-exposed children reported fewer child externalizing and inattentive (ADHD) behaviors. Generalized estimate equation modeling showed a significant 3-way interaction between prenatal SRI exposure, SLC6A4 variant, and maternal mood at the 6-year time-point on H&F accuracy. For prenatally SRI-exposed children, regardless of maternal mood, the H&F accuracy of children with reduced 5HTT expression (a short [S] allele) remained stable. Even with increasing maternal depressive symptoms (though all below clinical threshold), EFs of children with at least one short allele were comparable to children with the same genotype whose mothers reported few if any depressive symptoms—in this sense they showed resilience. Children with two long (L) alleles were more sensitive to context. When their mothers had few depressive symptoms, LL children showed extremely good EF performance—better than any other group. When their mothers reported more depressive symptoms, LL children's EF performance was worse than that of any other group. In the face of a mother with a more depressed mood, EFs were best preserved in children prenatally exposed to SRIs and with at least one short SLC6A4 allele. Yet, prenatally-exposed LL children hold out promise of possibly superior EF if their mother's mood remains euthymic or improves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney M Weikum
- Pediatrics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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The DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) gene is associated with alerting attention. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 43:140-5. [PMID: 23276884 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 12/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) is involved in the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. It has been suggested that genes involved in the dopamine, norepinephrine, and cholinergic systems play an essential role in the efficiency of human attention networks. Attention refers to the cognitive process of obtaining and maintaining the alert state, orienting to sensory events, and regulating the conflicts of thoughts and behavior. The present study tested seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the DDC gene for association with attention, which was assessed by the Attention Network Test to detect three networks of attention, including alerting, orienting, and executive attention, in a healthy Han Chinese sample (N=451). Association analysis for individual SNPs indicated that four of the seven SNPs (rs3887825, rs7786398, rs10499695, and rs6969081) were significantly associated with alerting attention. Haplotype-based association analysis revealed that alerting was associated with the haplotype G-A-T for SNPs rs7786398-rs10499695-rs6969081. These associations remained significant after correcting for multiple testing by max(T) permutation. No association was found for orienting and executive attention. This study provides the first evidence for the involvement of the DDC gene in alerting attention. A better understanding of the genetic basis of distinct attention networks would allow us to develop more effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of deficient or underdeveloped alerting attention as well as its related prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Van Rheenen TE, Rossell SL. Genetic and neurocognitive foundations of emotion abnormalities in bipolar disorder. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2013; 18:168-207. [PMID: 23088582 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2012.690938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a serious mood disorder, the aetiology of which is still unclear. The disorder is characterised by extreme mood variability in which patients fluctuate between markedly euphoric, irritable, and elevated states to periods of severe depression. The current research literature shows that BD patients demonstrate compromised neurocognitive ability in addition to these mood symptoms. Viable candidate genes implicated in neurocognitive and socioemotional processes may explain the development of these core emotion abnormalities. Additionally, links between faulty neurocognition and impaired socioemotional ability complement genetic explanations of BD pathogenesis. This review examines associations between cognition indexing prefrontal neural regions and socioemotional impairments including emotion processing and regulation. A review of the effect of COMT and TPH2 on these functions is also explored. METHODS Major computer databases including PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Medline were consulted in order to conduct a comprehensive review of the genetic and cognitive literature in BD. RESULTS This review determines that COMT and TPH2 genetic variants contribute susceptibility to abnormal prefrontal neurocognitive function which oversees the processing and regulation of emotion. This provides for greater understanding of some of the emotional and cognitive symptoms in BD. CONCLUSIONS Current findings in this direction show promise, although the literature is still in its infancy and further empirical research is required to investigate these links explicitly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsyn E Van Rheenen
- Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University, and Cognitive Neuropsychology Laboratory, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Center, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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Chen GL, Miller GM. Tryptophan hydroxylase-2: an emerging therapeutic target for stress disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 85:1227-33. [PMID: 23435356 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) has been long recognized to modulate the stress response, and dysfunction of 5-HT has been implicated in numerous stress disorders. Accordingly, the 5-HT system has been targeted for the treatment of stress disorders. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis, and the recent identification of a second, neuron-specific TPH isoform (TPH2) opened up a new area of research. With a decade of extensive investigation, it is now recognized that: (1) TPH2 exhibits a highly flexible gene expression that is modulated by an increasing number of internal and external environmental factors including the biological clock, stressors, endogenous hormones, and antidepressant therapies; and (2) genetically determined TPH2 activity is linked to a growing body of stress-related neuronal correlates and behavioral traits. These findings reveal an active role of TPH2 in the stress response and provide new insights into the long recognized but not yet fully understood 5-HT-stress interaction. As a major modulator of 5-HT neurotransmission and the stress response, TPH2 is of both pathophysiological and pharmacological significance, and is emerging as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of stress disorders. Given that numerous antidepressant therapies influence TPH2 gene expression, TPH2 is already inadvertently targeted for the treatment of stress disorders. With increased understanding of the regulation of TPH2 activity we can now purposely utilize TPH2 as a target to develop new or optimize current therapies, which are expected to greatly improve the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of stress disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Lin Chen
- Harvard Medical School, New England Primate Research Center, Division of Neuroscience, One Pine Hill Drive, Southborough, MA 01772-9102, USA.
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Enge S, Fleischhauer M, Lesch KP, Reif A, Strobel A. Variation in key genes of serotonin and norepinephrine function predicts gamma-band activity during goal-directed attention. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 24:1195-205. [PMID: 23258345 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhs398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence shows that genetic variations in key regulators of serotonergic (5-HT) signaling explain variance in executive tasks, which suggests modulatory actions of 5-HT on goal-directed selective attention as one possible underlying mechanism. To investigate this link, 130 volunteers were genotyped for the 5-HT transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and for a variation (TPH2-703 G/T) of the TPH2 gene coding for the rate-limiting enzyme of 5-HT synthesis in the brain. Additionally, a functional polymorphism of the norepinephrine transporter gene (NET -3081 A/T) was considered, which was recently found to predict attention and working memory processes in interaction with serotonergic genes. The flanker-based Attention Network Test was used to assess goal-directed attention and the efficiency of attentional networks. Event-related gamma-band activity served to indicate selective attention at the intermediate phenotype level. The main findings were that 5-HTTLPR s allele and TPH2 G-allele homozygotes showed increased induced gamma-band activity during target processing when combined with the NET A/A genotype compared with other genotype combinations, and that gamma activity mediates the genotype-specific effects on task performance. The results further support a modulatory role of 5-HT and NE function in the top-down attentional selection of motivationally relevant over competing or irrelevant sensory input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören Enge
- Department of Psychology, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
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Stoltenberg SF, Christ CC, Highland KB. Serotonin system gene polymorphisms are associated with impulsivity in a context dependent manner. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 39:182-91. [PMID: 22735397 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Impulsivity is a risk factor for adverse outcomes and characterizes several psychiatric disorders and risk for suicide. There is strong evidence that genetic variation influences individual differences in impulsivity, but the details are not yet understood. There is growing interest in better understanding the context dependency of genetic effects that is reflected in studies examining gender specificity, gene×environment interaction and epistasis (gene-gene interaction). In a cross-sectional study we examined whether polymorphisms in six serotonin system candidate genes and the experience of early life trauma (age 0-12) were associated with individual differences in impulsivity in a non-clinical sample of Caucasian university students (N=424). We specifically tested potential gender specific, gene-gene, and gene×environment (early life trauma) effects. In our main analyses with Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) total score, there were significant (i.e. p<.01 and False Discovery Rate <.10) interactions between (1) gender and TPH2 (rs1386483) genotype; (2) gender and HTR2A (rs6313) genotype; and epistatic interactions among (3) 5-HTTLPR and MAOA uVNTR; (4) 5-HTTLPR and rs6313 and (5) HTR1B (rs6296) and rs6313 genotypes. Our results strongly support the explicit investigation of context dependent genetic effects on impulsivity and may help to resolve some of the conflicting reports in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott F Stoltenberg
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588‐0308, USA.
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Kennedy AP, Binder EB, Bowman D, Harenski K, Ely T, Cisler JM, Tripathi SP, VanNess S, Kilts CD. A common TPH2 haplotype regulates the neural processing of a cognitive control demand. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2012; 159B:829-40. [PMID: 22915309 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The monoamine neurotransmitter, serotonin, critically regulates the function of the cerebral cortex and is involved in psychiatric disorders. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of serotonin with the neuron-specific TPH2 isoform present exclusively in the brain and encoded by the TPH2 gene on chromosome 12q21. The haplotype structure of TPH2 was defined for 16 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a healthy subject population and a haplotype block analysis confirmed the presence of a six SNP haplotype in a yin configuration that has previously been associated with risk for suicidality, depression, and anxiety disorders. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess the influence of TPH2 variation on brain function related to cognitive control using the Multi-Source Interference Task (MSIT). The MSIT-related blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response was increased with increasing copies of the TPH2 yin haplotype for the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), and anterior striatum. A functional connectivity analysis further revealed that increasing numbers of the TPH2 yin haplotype was associated with diminished functional coupling between the dACC and the right IFC, precentral gyrus, parietal cortex and dlPFC. A moderation analysis indicated that the relationship between neural processing networks and cognitive control was significantly modulated by allelic variation for the TPH2 yin haplotype. These findings suggest that the association of risk for psychiatric disorders with a common TPH2 yin haplotype is related to the inefficient functional engagement of cortical areas involved in cognitive control and alterations in the mode of functional connectivity of dACC pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley P Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Melatonin pathway genes are associated with progressive subtypes and disability status in multiple sclerosis among Finnish patients. J Neuroimmunol 2012; 250:106-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2012.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Investigation of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) in schizophrenia and in the response to antipsychotics. J Psychiatr Res 2012; 46:1073-80. [PMID: 22655589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2012.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Serotonergic transmission is considered relevant in the pathophysiology and the treatment of schizophrenia. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is the rate limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of serotonin. While the TPH1 gene has been found to be associated with schizophrenia, studies focusing on TPH2 variants did not yield conclusive results for schizophrenia or the response to antipsychotic medication. We analyzed eleven TPH2 SNPs in two case-control samples consisting of 4453 individuals in total. Six SNPs were selected because of their potential functional relevance (rs4570625, rs11178997, rs11178998, rs7954758, rs7305115, and, rs4290270) and were supported by another 5 tagging SNPs selected based on HapMap LD information. In the discovery sample (1476 individuals), we observed a significant association with schizophrenia for rs10784941 (p = 0.009, OR minor G-allele 0.82 [0.71-0.95]) and rs4565946 (p = 0.011, OR minor T-allele 0.83 [0.71-0.96]). Association was also observed with a common rs4570625-rs4565946 haplotype (OR G-C haplotype 1.20 [1.02-1.40]; p = 0.0046). Single-marker associations could not be replicated in the replication sample consisting of 2977 individuals, but there was a strong trend regarding the rs4570625-rs4565946 G-C haplotype (OR 1.10 [0.98-1.24]; p(one-sided test) = 0.054). In smaller sub-samples, the rare rs4570625-rs4565946 T-T haplotype was associated with reduced processing speed (n = 193, p = 0.004) and sensorimotor gating (n = 68, p = 0.006) of schizophrenia patients. TPH2 variants and the rs4570625-rs4565946 G-C haplotype did not influence the beneficial response to antipsychotic drugs (n = 210) after four weeks of treatment administering the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale of Schizophrenia (PANSS). We also investigated the association of the SNPs to treatment response, but did not get significant results. In sum, our results argue for only a minor role of TPH2 in schizophrenia.
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N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B subunit (GRIN2B) gene variation is associated with alerting, but not with orienting and conflicting in the Attention Network Test. Neuropharmacology 2012; 63:259-65. [PMID: 22484476 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Appropriate attention levels are pivotal for cognitive processes, and individual differences in attentional functioning are related to variations in the interplay of neurotransmitters. The attention network theory reflects attention as a non-homogenous set of separate neural networks: alerting, orienting and conflicting. In the present study, the role of variations in GRIN2B, which encodes the NR2B subunit of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, was explored with regard to the regulation of arousal and attention by comparing the efficiency of the three attentional networks as measured with the Attention Network Test (ANT). Two synonymous SNPs in GRIN2B, rs1806201 (T888T) and rs1806191 (H1178H) were genotyped in 324 young Caucasian adults. Results revealed a highly specific modulatory influence of SNP rs1806201 on alerting processes with subjects homozygous for the frequent C allele displaying higher alerting network scores as compared to the other two genotype groups (CT and TT). This effect is due to the fact that in the no cue condition faster reaction times were evident in participants carrying at least one of the rare T alleles, possibly as a result of more effective glutamatergic neurotransmission. The results might be further explained by a dissociation between tonic and phasic alertness modulated by the GRIN2B genotype and by a ceiling effect, meaning that subjects cannot be phasicly alert in excess to a certain level. Altogether, the results show that variations in GRIN2B have to be taken into consideration when examining attentional processes.
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Chen GL, Miller GM. Advances in tryptophan hydroxylase-2 gene expression regulation: new insights into serotonin-stress interaction and clinical implications. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2012; 159B:152-71. [PMID: 22241550 PMCID: PMC3587664 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) modulates the stress response by interacting with the hormonal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and neuronal sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT biosynthesis, and the recent identification of a second, neuron-specific TPH isoform (TPH2) opened up a new area of research. While TPH2 genetic variance has been linked to numerous behavioral traits and disorders, findings on TPH2 gene expression have not only reinforced, but also provided new insights into, the long-recognized but not yet fully understood 5-HT-stress interaction. In this review, we summarize advances in TPH2 expression regulation and its relevance to the stress response and clinical implications. Particularly, based on findings on rhesus monkey TPH2 genetics and other relevant literature, we propose that: (i) upon activation of adrenal cortisol secretion, the cortisol surge induces TPH2 expression and de novo 5-HT synthesis; (ii) the induced 5-HT in turn inhibits cortisol secretion by modulating the adrenal sensitivity to ACTH via the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN)-SNS-adrenal system, such that it contributes to the feedback inhibition of cortisol production; (iii) basal TPH2 expression or 5-HT synthesis, as well as early-life experience, influence basal cortisol primarily via the hormonal HPA axis; and (iv) 5'- and 3'-regulatory polymorphisms of TPH2 may differentially influence the stress response, presumably due to their differential roles in gene expression regulation. Our increasing knowledge of TPH2 expression regulation not only helps us better understand the 5-HT-stress interaction and the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, but also provides new strategies for the treatment of stress-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Lin Chen
- Harvard Medical School, New England Primate Research Center, Division of Neuroscience, Southborough, MA 01772-9102, USA.
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Szily E, Kéri S. Emotion appraisal and the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) gene. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2012; 119:1261-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-012-0769-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 01/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Quednow BB, Kometer M, Geyer MA, Vollenweider FX. Psilocybin-induced deficits in automatic and controlled inhibition are attenuated by ketanserin in healthy human volunteers. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:630-40. [PMID: 21956447 PMCID: PMC3260978 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin-2A receptor (5-HT(2A)R) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and related inhibitory gating and behavioral inhibition deficits of schizophrenia patients. The hallucinogen psilocybin disrupts automatic forms of sensorimotor gating and response inhibition in humans, but it is unclear so far whether the 5-HT(2A)R or 5-HT(1A)R agonist properties of its bioactive metabolite psilocin account for these effects. Thus, we investigated whether psilocybin-induced deficits in automatic and controlled inhibition in healthy humans could be attenuated by the 5-HT(2A/2C)R antagonist ketanserin. A total of 16 healthy participants received placebo, ketanserin (40 mg p.o.), psilocybin (260 μg/kg p.o.), or psilocybin plus ketanserin in a double-blind, randomized, and counterbalanced order. Sensorimotor gating was measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response. The effects on psychopathological core dimensions and behavioral inhibition were assessed by the altered states of consciousness questionnaire (5D-ASC), and the Color-Word Stroop Test. Psilocybin decreased PPI at short lead intervals (30 ms), increased all 5D-ASC scores, and selectively increased errors in the interference condition of the Stroop Test. Stroop interference and Stroop effect of the response latencies were increased under psilocybin as well. Psilocybin-induced alterations were attenuated by ketanserin pretreatment, whereas ketanserin alone had no significant effects. These findings suggest that the disrupting effects of psilocybin on automatic and controlled inhibition processes are attributable to 5-HT(2A)R stimulation. Sensorimotor gating and attentional control deficits of schizophrenia patients might be due to changes within the 5-HT(2A)R system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris B Quednow
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kometer
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Zürich, Switzerland,Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Clinic of Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Heffter Research Center, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Tel: +41 44 384 2404, Fax: +41 44 384 2249, E-mail:
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Kobayashi H, Ujike H, Iwata N, Inada T, Yamada M, Sekine Y, Uchimura N, Iyo M, Ozaki N, Itokawa M, Sora I. Association analysis of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene polymorphisms in patients with methamphetamine dependence/psychosis. Curr Neuropharmacol 2011; 9:176-82. [PMID: 21886586 PMCID: PMC3137177 DOI: 10.2174/157015911795017335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 04/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing evidence that serotoninergic systems modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission. We analyzed the association between the variations in the brain tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) gene, a rate limiting enzyme for serotonin biosynthesis, and methamphetamine (METH) dependence/psychosis in a Japanese population. We found ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two polynucleotide polymorphisms in TPH2 gene exons and exon-intron boundaries. A total of 162 patients and 243 controls were used for the association analysis between these polymorphisms and METH dependence/psychosis. No significant differences were observed in either genotypic or allelic frequencies between METH dependent/psychotic patients and controls. A global test of differentiation among samples based on haplotype frequencies showed no significant association. With respect to latency of psychosis, prognosis of psychosis, and spontaneous relapse, we found no significant association with these SNPs. These results suggest that the TPH2 gene variants may not be a factor in vulnerability to METH dependence/psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Kobayashi
- Department of Biological Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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Leppänen JM, Peltola MJ, Puura K, Mäntymaa M, Mononen N, Lehtimäki T. Serotonin and early cognitive development: variation in the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene is associated with visual attention in 7-month-old infants. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2011; 52:1144-52. [PMID: 21418063 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02391.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allelic variation in the promoter region of a gene that encodes tryptophan hydroxylase isoform 2 (TPH2), a rate-limiting enzyme of serotonin synthesis in the central nervous system, has been associated with variations in cognitive function and vulnerability to affective spectrum disorders. Little is known about the effects of this gene variant on cognition during development and about possible intermediate developmental steps that lead to the adult phenotype. Here, we examined the hypothesis that the TPH2 -703 may act during early stages of development and bias the acquisition of elementary cognitive processes involved in attention and emotion regulation. METHODS Seven-month-old infants (n = 66) were genotyped for the TPH2 -703 G/T polymorphism (rs4570625) and tested for the efficiency of attention shifts from a stimulus at fixation to a new stimulus in the visual periphery. RESULTS Compared to TPH2 G/G homozygotes, infants with the T-carrier genotype exhibited a significantly higher number of missing attention shifts. This genotype effect tended to be particularly pronounced when infants had to disengage from an affectively salient stimulus before shifting attention to the peripheral stimulus. The results also showed that TPH2 genotype was indirectly associated, via its effect on attention disengagement, with temperamental emotion regulation (soothability). CONCLUSIONS Together, these results implicate serotonin system genes in early cognitive development and suggest variations in the early-emerging cognitive capacities as a potential developmental precursor of individual differences in emotion regulation and vulnerability to affective disorders.
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Working memory and parent-rated components of attention in middle childhood: a behavioral genetic study. Behav Genet 2011; 42:199-208. [PMID: 21948215 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-011-9508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to investigate potential genetic and environmental correlations between working memory and three behavioral aspects of the attention network (i.e., executive, alerting, and orienting) using a twin design. Data were from 90 monozygotic (39% male) and 112 same-sex dizygotic (41% male) twins. Individual differences in working memory performance (digit span) and parent-rated measures of executive, alerting, and orienting attention included modest to moderate genetic variance, modest shared environmental variance, and modest to moderate nonshared environmental variance. As hypothesized, working memory performance was correlated with executive and alerting attention, but not orienting attention. The correlation between working memory, executive attention, and alerting attention was completely accounted for by overlapping genetic covariance, suggesting a common genetic mechanism or mechanisms underlying the links between working memory and certain parent-rated indicators of attentive behavior.
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Zhang L, Hu XZ, Li H, Li X, Smerin S, Benedek DM, Ursano R. Startle response related genes. Med Hypotheses 2011; 77:685-91. [PMID: 21855231 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The startle reaction (also known as the startle response, the startle reflex, or the alarm reaction) is the psychological and physiological response to a sudden unexpected stimulus, such as a flash of light, a loud noise (acoustic startle reflex), or a quick movement near the face. Abnormalities of startle response have been observed in many stress-related mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the molecular mechanisms of startle in stress-associated conditions--for example, whether the startle reaction is associated with any gene variance--is still unknown. In this paper, we will carry out a systematic review by retrieving, assessing, and combining, when applicable, individual studies investigating association of the molecular variation of candidate gene with the startle response. The systematic review is based on the search for numerous publications using the keywords "startle gene" on September 15, 2010 using PubMed, which comprises more than 20 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE and life science journals. A total of 486 publications regarding genes associated with startle have been obtained and reviewed here. There are fewer than 20 publications associating genes with the startle response between 1979, when the first valuable paper was published, and 1999. However, publications have dramatically increase from 2001 and reaches over 70 in 2009. We have characterized them into three categories: startle-associated gene studies in humans, in animals, as well as in both human and animals. This review of research strategy may provide the information for identifying a biomarker for startle response, with the objective of translating research into clinical utility: diagnosis and treatment of stress-induced mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States.
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Stefulj J, Mokrovic G, Hranilovic D, Bordukalo-Niksic T, Bakula M, Kubat M, Jernej B. Functional promoter polymorphism of the neuronal isoform of tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph2) in suicide. Psychiatry Res 2011; 186:446-7. [PMID: 20869124 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2009] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The association between suicide and G-703T polymorphism of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, was studied in a sample of 291 suicide victims and 280 healthy subjects of Croatian origin. No significant differences were found between the groups. Obtained results do not support involvement of the investigated polymorphism in the susceptibility to suicide completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasminka Stefulj
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Gong P, Zhang F, Ge W, Lei X, Chi W, Zhang K, Zheng A, Gao X. Association analysis of TPH2, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT6 with executive function in a young Chinese Han population. J Neurogenet 2011; 25:27-34. [PMID: 21457069 DOI: 10.3109/01677063.2011.569804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system is widely distributed in the central nervous system. A growing body of evidence has suggested that the neurotransmitter system is implicated in the functions of the prefrontal cortex. So far, several studies have revealed that some functional genetic variants in TPH2, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT6 genes are possibly related to executive function. To investigate the potential influences of TPH2, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT6 on the components of executive function, the authors performed a population-based study with standard cognitive paradigms in a young Chinese Han group. The results indicated that -703 G/T polymorphism of TPH2 was associated with the performance of response inhibition (p = .002) and the T allele carriers (TT and GT) had fewer errors than the noncarriers (GG) did in the response inhibition test. Furthermore, there were no significant associations of the T102C in 5-HT2A and T267C in 5-HT6 with the components of executive function after correcting for multiple tests (p > .05). The present study suggests that TPH2 contributes distinctively to the inhibition domain of executive function, whereas 5-HT2A and 5-HT6 show no striking effects on executive function in the Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyuan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Science, Institute of Population and Health, Xi'an, China
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On the role of serotonin and effort in voluntary attention: Evidence of genetic variation in N1 modulation. Behav Brain Res 2011; 216:122-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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44
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Balog Z, Kiss I, Kéri S. ZNF804A may be associated with executive control of attention. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2010; 10:223-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2010.00657.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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45
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Popova NK, Kulikov AV. Targeting tryptophan hydroxylase 2 in affective disorder. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2010; 14:1259-71. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2010.524208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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46
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47
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Stoltenberg SF, Nag P. Description and validation of a dynamical systems model of presynaptic serotonin function: genetic variation, brain activation and impulsivity. Behav Genet 2010; 40:262-79. [PMID: 20111992 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-010-9335-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 01/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite more than a decade of empirical work on the role of genetic polymorphisms in the serotonin system on behavior, the details across levels of analysis are not well understood. We describe a mathematical model of the genetic control of presynaptic serotonergic function that is based on control theory, implemented using systems of differential equations, and focused on better characterizing pathways from genes to behavior. We present the results of model validation tests that include the comparison of simulation outcomes with empirical data on genetic effects on brain response to affective stimuli and on impulsivity. Patterns of simulated neural firing were consistent with recent findings of additive effects of serotonin transporter and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 polymorphisms on brain activation. In addition, simulated levels of cerebral spinal fluid 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (CSF 5-HIAA) were negatively correlated with Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (Version 11) Total scores in college students (r = -.22, p = .002, N = 187), which is consistent with the well-established negative correlation between CSF 5-HIAA and impulsivity. The results of the validation tests suggest that the model captures important aspects of the genetic control of presynaptic serotonergic function and behavior via brain activation. The proposed model can be: (1) extended to include other system components, neurotransmitter systems, behaviors and environmental influences; (2) used to generate testable hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott F Stoltenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0308, USA.
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48
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Quednow BB, Geyer MA, Halberstadt AL. Serotonin and Schizophrenia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-7339(10)70102-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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49
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Stoltenberg SF, Vandever JM. Gender moderates the association between 5-HTTLPR and decision-making under ambiguity but not under risk. Neuropharmacology 2009; 58:423-8. [PMID: 19781560 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Revised: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Decisions made under ambiguity may involve a different genetic architecture than those made under risk. Because gender moderates the effect of genetic polymorphisms on serotonin function and because there are gender differences in decision-making, the present study examined potential gender moderation of associations between polymorphisms in important serotonin system candidate genes (serotonin transporter [SLC6A4] and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 [TPH2]) and performance on a decision-making task (Iowa Gambling Task, IGT) in healthy, adults (N = 188; 62% women). Subjects were genotyped for the well-studied SLC6A4 promoter variant 5-HTTLPR and a TPH2 single nucleotide polymorphism in intron-8 (rs1386438). Genotype at rs1386438 was not associated with performance on the IGT. A significant gender by 5-HTTLPR genotype interaction effect was detected when decision-making was under ambiguity (i.e. the first block of 20 choices), but not under risk (blocks 2-5). Performance on the first block of 20 choices was not correlated with performance on subsequent blocks, supporting the interpretation that early performance on the IGT indexes decision-making under ambiguity, while performance on blocks 2-5 indexes decision-making under risk. These findings suggest that decision-making under ambiguity and risk may have different genetic architectures and that individual differences in decision-making under ambiguity are associated with genetic variation in SLC6A4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott F Stoltenberg
- Department of Psychology, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD 57799, USA.
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50
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Urbanek C, Neuhaus AHM, Opgen-Rhein C, Strathmann S, Wieseke N, Schaub R, Hahn E, Dettling M. Attention network test (ANT) reveals gender-specific alterations of executive function in schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2009; 168:102-9. [PMID: 19464736 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2008.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2007] [Revised: 04/02/2008] [Accepted: 04/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Attention Network Test (ANT) provides measures for three different components of visual attention: executive control (=conflict inhibition), orienting, and alerting. There is reasonable evidence that alterations of attention-mainly in the executive/conflict domain-are associated with susceptibility to psychiatric illness. Specific impairments may be a characteristic for a medical condition such as schizophrenia and thus shift our understanding from a neuropsychological endophenotype to a more precise genetic understanding of this disorder. Study subjects comprised 35 schizophrenic patients and 35 healthy controls (13 female and 22 male in both groups). The ANT was administered to all participants and rated individual responses for the three factors (alerting, orienting, and conflict) and their respective ratios relative to mean reaction times. With regard to gender differences, group comparisons were performed for schizophrenic patients vs. healthy controls. Significant differences between patients and controls could be detected for mean reaction time (639 vs. 538 ms) and for conflict ratio (0.158 vs. 0.191). The latter difference mainly resulted from gender-specific variances of the conflict network in opposite directions. The executive function as represented by the conflict network of visual attention of the ANT is affected in schizophrenia. We have detected hitherto unreported gender-specific differences between healthy controls and schizophrenic patients. Especially as regards the conflict network, the ANT offers a promising methodology to detect a neuropsychological endophenotype of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Urbanek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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