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Jiang Z, Chen Z, Chen X. Candidate gene-environment interactions in substance abuse: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287446. [PMID: 37906564 PMCID: PMC10617739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The abuse of psychogenic drugs can lead to multiple health-related problems. Genetic and environmental vulnerabilities are factors in the emergence of substance use disorders. Empirical evidence regarding the gene-environment interaction in substance use is mixed. Summaries of the latest findings from a candidate gene approach will be useful for revealing the significance of particular gene contributions. Thus, we aim to identify different gene-environment interactions in patterns of substance use and investigate whether any effects trend notably across different genders and races. METHODS We reviewed published studies, until March 1, 2022, on substance use for candidate gene-environment interaction. Basic demographics of the included studies, target genes, environmental factors, main findings, patterns of gene-environment interaction, and other relevant information were collected and summarized. RESULTS Among a total of 44 studies, 38 demonstrated at least one significant interaction effect. About 61.5% of studies on the 5-HTTLPR gene, 100% on the MAOA gene, 42.9% on the DRD2 gene, 50% on the DRD4 gene, 50% on the DAT gene, 80% on the CRHR1 gene, 100% on the OPRM1 gene, 100% on the GABRA1 gene, and 50% on the CHRNA gene had a significant gene-environment interaction effect. The diathesis-stress model represents a dominant interaction pattern (89.5%) in the studies with a significant interaction effect; the remaining significant effect on substance use is found in the differential susceptibility model. The social push and swing model were not reported in the included studies. CONCLUSION The gene-environment interaction research on substance use behavior is methodologically multidimensional, which causes difficulty in conducting pooled analysis, or stated differently-making it hard to identify single sources of significant influence over maladaptive patterns of drug taking. In decreasing the heterogeneity and facilitating future pooled analysis, researchers must (1) replicate the existing studies with consistent study designs and measures, (2) conduct power calculations to report gene-environment correlations, (3) control for covariates, and (4) generate theory-based hypotheses with factorial based experiments when designing future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Jiang
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zidong Chen
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xi Chen
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
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Walker JH, Venta A, Bechelli J, Brewer TM, Boisvert D, Bick J, Lewis R, Wells J, Armstrong T. Testing the role of inflammation in the relation of childhood maltreatment and suicidal ideation among young adults. J Clin Psychol 2022; 78:2484-2496. [PMID: 35302245 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the prevalence of suicidal ideation among young adults has been on the rise, with childhood maltreatment thought to partially explain this disparity. Systemic inflammation-a product of over-activation of the body's stress response system-has been hypothesized to play a predictive role in the development of suicidal ideation. Enduring childhood maltreatment can lead to systemic inflammation, possibly accounting for suicidal ideation's increased prevalence among young adults who have a history of childhood maltreatment. METHODS The current study sought to investigate the importance of childhood maltreatment as a static risk factor for downstream suicidal ideation in young adulthood with the immunological response (i.e., systemic inflammation) to childhood maltreatment serving as a mediating factor. RESULTS Systemic inflammation was found to be positively associated with suicidal ideation, supporting the unique role systemic inflammation may play in the pathogenesis of suicidal ideation, though hypotheses regarding childhood maltreatment were not supported. CONCLUSION This study provides novel insight into a potential immunobiological model for suicidal ideation development in young adult populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Walker
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amanda Venta
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeremy Bechelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
| | - Trisha M Brewer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
| | - Danielle Boisvert
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
| | - Johanna Bick
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard Lewis
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jessica Wells
- Department of Criminal Justice, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Todd Armstrong
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Maurex L, Zaboli G, Öhman A, Åsberg M, Leopardi R. The serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and affective symptoms among women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 25:19-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2008] [Revised: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractGene variants of the serotonin transporter have been associated with vulnerability to affective disorders. In particular, the presence of one or two copies of the short (s) allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism has been associated with reduced serotonin transporter expression and function, and vulnerability to affective disorders. To test for an association between variants of the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and relevant clinical features of borderline personality disorder (BPD), a psychiatric disorder with symptoms characteristic for serotonin dysfunction, 77 women with BPD were genotyped in the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. They rated their subjective experience of borderline-specific, depressive, anxious and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and were interviewed about lifetime incidence of suicide attempts and self-harming acts. Carriers of two s alleles of the 5-HTTLPR reported more symptoms of borderline, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviours, but not of suicidal and self-injury behaviour, compared to carriers of a long (l) allele. This indicates that the 5-HTTLPR ss homozygous genotype might influence serotonin function affecting susceptibility to both borderline-specific, depressive, anxious and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in BPD, and leading to a more severe symptomatology related to these clinical features. Further, this suggests that 5-HTT gene variants may not be as influential on suicidal and self-injury behaviour in BPD.
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Won JH, Kim M, Park BY, Youn J, Park H. Effectiveness of imaging genetics analysis to explain degree of depression in Parkinson's disease. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211699. [PMID: 30742647 PMCID: PMC6370199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the most common and important neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's disease and often becomes worse as Parkinson's disease progresses. However, the underlying mechanisms of depression in Parkinson's disease are not clear. The aim of our study was to find genetic features related to depression in Parkinson's disease using an imaging genetics approach and to construct an analytical model for predicting the degree of depression in Parkinson's disease. The neuroimaging and genotyping data were obtained from an openly accessible database. We computed imaging features through connectivity analysis derived from tractography of diffusion tensor imaging. The imaging features were used as intermediate phenotypes to identify genetic variants according to the imaging genetics approach. We then constructed a linear regression model using the genetic features from imaging genetics approach to describe clinical scores indicating the degree of depression. As a comparison, we constructed other models using imaging features and genetic features based on references to demonstrate the effectiveness of our imaging genetics model. The models were trained and tested in a five-fold cross-validation. The imaging genetics approach identified several brain regions and genes known to be involved in depression, with the potential to be used as meaningful biomarkers. Our proposed model using imaging genetic features predicted and explained the degree of depression in Parkinson's disease appropriately (adjusted R2 larger than 0.6 over five training folds) and with a lower error and higher correlation than with other models over five test folds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hye Won
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Korea
| | - Mansu Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Korea
| | - Bo-yong Park
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jinyoung Youn
- Department of Neurology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Korea
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
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Rogers J. The behavioral genetics of nonhuman primates: Status and prospects. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 165 Suppl 65:23-36. [PMID: 29380886 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The complexity and diversity of primate behavior have long attracted the attention of ethologists, psychologists, behavioral ecologists, and neuroscientists. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the nature of genetic influences on differences in behavior among individuals within species. A number of analyses have focused on the genetic analysis of behavioral reactions to specific experimental tests, providing estimates of the degree of genetic control over reactivity, and beginning to identify the genes involved. Substantial progress is also being made in identifying genetic factors that influence the structure and function of the primate brain. Most of the published studies on these topics have examined either cercopithecines or chimpanzees, though a few studies have addressed these questions in other primate species. One potentially important line of research is beginning to identify the epigenetic processes that influence primate behavior, thus revealing specific cellular and molecular mechanisms by which environmental experiences can influence gene expression or gene function relevant to behavior. This review summarizes many of these studies of non-human primate behavioral genetics. The primary focus is on analyses that address the nature of the genes and genetic processes that affect differences in behavior among individuals within non-human primate species. Analyses of between species differences and potential avenues for future research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Rogers
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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Berent D, Emilien G, Podgórski M, Kusideł E, Kulczycka-Wojdala D, Szymańska B, Macander M, Pawłowska Z. SSTR4, Childhood Adversity, Self-efficacy and Suicide Risk in Alcoholics. Transl Neurosci 2017; 8:76-86. [PMID: 28924491 PMCID: PMC5597949 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2017-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with alcohol dependence (AD) are known to develop poor social skills, to report a higher number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and to attempt suicide more frequently than the general population. The background for the association between ACEs and a higher risk of suicide still remains understudied. SSTR4 rs2567608 is a functional polymorphism of the gene for somatostatin receptor subtype 4, predominantly found in the CA1 hippocampus area and involved in memory formation. We hypothesize that the functional polymorphism SSTR4 rs2567608, general self-efficacy, and adverse childhood experiences influence the risk of suicide attempt in patients with AD. Methodology 176 patients with AD and 127 healthy controls were interviewed regarding 13 categories of ACEs and assessed with the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Genotyping for the SSTR4 rs2567608 polymorphism was performed according to the manufacturer’s standard PCR protocol. Results Patients with AD and the controls did not differ significantly according to the SSTR4 rs2567608 genotype and allele frequencies. Lower general self-efficacy, higher number of ACEs, and the SSTR4 rs2567608 TT genotype increased the risk of suicide attempt in patients with AD, and it persisted significant only in male patients with AD. Conclusions Our study supports previous findings on ACEs and general self-efficacy association with a risk for suicide. Additionally, we suggest that patients with AD of the SSTR4 rs2567608 TT genotype may be more vulnerable to ACEs and at a higher risk of suicide attempt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Berent
- Medical University of Warsaw, Department of Psychiatry II, Kondratowicza 8 Str., PL-03-242Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gerard Emilien
- Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Departement de Biologie Humaine, 8 Avenue Rckfeller, 69373LYON Cedex 08, France
| | - Michał Podgórski
- Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rzgowska 281/289 Str., 93-338Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Kusideł
- University of Lodz, Department of Spatial Econometrics, Rewolucji 1905 r. 39 Str., 90-214Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Bożena Szymańska
- Medical University of Lodz, Central Scientific Laboratory, Mazowiecka 6/8 Str., 92-215Lodz, Poland
| | - Marian Macander
- Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Safety Flight Department, Krasińskiego 54/56 Str., 01-755Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zofia Pawłowska
- Medical University of Lodz, Central Scientific Laboratory, Mazowiecka 6/8 Str., 92-215Lodz, Poland
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Oikonomidis L, Santangelo AM, Shiba Y, Clarke FH, Robbins TW, Roberts AC. A dimensional approach to modeling symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders in the marmoset monkey. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:328-353. [PMID: 27589556 PMCID: PMC5412688 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Some patients suffering from the same neuropsychiatric disorder may have no overlapping symptoms whilst others may share symptoms common to other distinct disorders. Therefore, the Research Domain Criteria initiative recognises the need for better characterisation of the individual symptoms on which to focus symptom-based treatment strategies. Many of the disorders involve dysfunction within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and so the marmoset, due to their highly developed PFC and small size, is an ideal species for studying the neurobiological basis of the behavioural dimensions that underlie these symptoms.Here we focus on a battery of tests that address dysfunction spanning the cognitive (cognitive inflexibility and working memory), negative valence (fear generalisation and negative bias) and positive valence (anhedonia) systems pertinent for understanding disorders such as ADHD, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Depression and OCD. Parsing the separable prefrontal and striatal circuits and identifying the selective neurochemical modulation (serotonin vs dopamine) that underlie cognitive dysfunction have revealed counterparts in the clinical domain. Aspects of the negative valence system have been explored both at individual- (trait anxiety and genetic variation in serotonin transporter) and circuit-based levels enabling the understanding of generalisation processes, negative biases and differential responsiveness to SSRIs. Within the positive valence system, the combination of cardiovascular and behavioural measures provides a framework for understanding motivational, anticipatory and consummatory aspects of anhedonia and their neurobiological mechanisms. Together, the direct comparison of experimental findings in marmosets with clinical studies is proving an excellent translational model to address the behavioural dimensions and neurobiology of neuropsychiatric symptoms. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 328-353, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Oikonomidis
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EB, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea M Santangelo
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EB, United Kingdom
| | - Yoshiro Shiba
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EB, United Kingdom
| | - F Hannah Clarke
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EB, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor W Robbins
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EB, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, United Kingdom
| | - Angela C Roberts
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EB, United Kingdom
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Lee SY, Hsu HC. Genetic Susceptibility and Sleep Disturbance in Black Mothers of Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study. SAGE Open Nurs 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/2377960816643326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5HT) is involved in emotion and sleep regulation and the 5HT transporter (5HTT) regulates 5HT function. A common 44-base pair deletion (short allele) or insertion (long allele) polymorphism in the promoter region of 5HTT (5-HTTLPR) is differentially associated with 5HTT transcription efficiency. Under stressful conditions, the short allele of 5-HTTLPR has been associated with depression and sleep disturbance. Black women are at higher risk for preterm labor and depressive symptoms. Thus, this exploratory study aimed to examine whether depressive symptoms and sleep disturbance in Black mothers would vary as a function of the 5-HTTLPR genotype when they faced the stress of infant hospitalization after preterm birth at early postpartum. A total of 30 Black mothers filled out a battery of questionnaires, including the Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and General Sleep Disturbance Scale. A wrist actigraph was used to assess total sleep time and circadian activity rhythms. Buccal cells from saliva were collected to test the 5-HTTLPR genotype. Results showed that about 38% of the mothers were heterozygous for the short (S/L) allele, and 62% were homozygous for the long (L/L) allele. Mothers’ perceived global stress, depressive symptoms, and circadian activity rhythms did not vary with their 5-HTTLPR genotypes. Unexpectedly, mothers with the L/L allele reported greater sleep disturbances than those with the S/L allele. Ethnic specificity in genetic susceptibility to stress was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Yu Lee
- Department of Nursing, Hungkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Davin A, Monti MC, Polito L, Vaccaro R, Abbondanza S, Gnesi M, Villani S, Guaita A. Influence of Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphisms and Adverse Life Events on Depressive Symptoms in the Elderly: A Population-Based Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143395. [PMID: 26598970 PMCID: PMC4658113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is common in the elderly. The role of genetic and environmental factors in modulating depressive symptoms is not clear. Methods We evaluated the influence of serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and recent adverse life events on depressive symptoms in an elderly Italian population. We used data from “InveCe.Ab”, a population-based study of 1321 subjects aged 70–74 years. We used the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to assess depressive symptoms–a GDS score ≥5 points (GDS≥5) indicated the presence of clinically relevant symptoms–and performed 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 genotyping to obtain the triallelic polymorphism of the serotonin transporter. We used the Geriatric Adverse Life Events Scale to measure adverse life events, and logistic regression models to evaluate the role of genotype and recent adverse life events in depressive symptoms, controlling for potential confounders and independent predictors. Results Two hundred subjects (15.76%) had a GDS≥5. The 5-HTTLPR triallelic polymorphism was significantly associated with GDS≥5. Only S′S′ carriers showed an increased risk of depressive symptoms (ORadj = 1.81, p = .022); one extra adverse life event increased this risk by 14% (p = .061) independently of genotype. Other factors significantly related to GDS≥5 were: female gender (ORadj = 2.49, p < .001), age (ORadj = 1.19, p = .007), a history of depression (ORadj = 4.73, p < .001), and comorbidity (ORadj = 1.23, p = .001). One extra adverse life event increased the risk of depressive symptoms by 57% (p = .005) only in the L′L′ carriers, while antidepressant intake was directly related to GDS≥5 in the L′S′ carriers (ORadj = 2.46, p = .036) and borderline significant in the S′S′ carriers (ORadj = 2.41, p = .081). Discussion The S′S′ genotype and recent exposure to adverse life events were independently associated with depressive symptoms. The S′S′ genotype, compared with the environment, exerted a predominant effect on depressive symptoms, suggesting that it reduces the efficacy of antidepressant therapy. We conclude that genetics may be an important risk factor for depressive symptoms in late adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Cristina Monti
- Section of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Vaccaro
- "Golgi Cenci" Foundation, Abbiategrasso, Italy.,"C. Golgi" Geriatric Institute, Abbiategrasso, Italy
| | | | - Marco Gnesi
- Section of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Villani
- Section of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Cognitive Neurosciences and Strategic Management: Challenges and Opportunities in Tying the Knot. ADVANCES IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT-A RESEARCH ANNUAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1108/s0742-332220150000032019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Fang Z, Zhu S, Gillihan SJ, Korczykowski M, Detre JA, Rao H. Serotonin transporter genotype modulates functional connectivity between amygdala and PCC/PCu during mood recovery. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:704. [PMID: 24198772 PMCID: PMC3813895 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The short (S) allele of the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been associated with increased susceptibility to depression. Previous neuroimaging studies have consistently showed increased amygdala activity during the presentation of negative stimuli or regulation of negative emotion in the homozygous short allele carriers, suggesting the key role of amygdala response in mediating increased risk for depression. The brain default mode network (DMN) has also been shown to modulate amygdala activity. However, it remains unclear whether 5-HTTLPR genetic variation modulates functional connectivity (FC) between the amygdala and regions of DMN. In this study, we re-analyzed our previous imaging dataset and examined the effects of 5-HTTLPR genetic variation on amygdala connectivity. A total of 15 homozygous short (S/S) and 15 homozygous long individuals (L/L) were scanned in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during four blocks: baseline, sad mood, mood recovery, and return to baseline. The S/S and L/L groups showed a similar pattern of FC and no differences were found between the two groups during baseline and sad mood scans. However, during mood recovery, the S/S group showed significantly reduced anti-correlation between amygdala and posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/PCu) compared to the L/L group. Moreover, PCC/PCu-amygdala connectivity correlated with amygdala activity in the S/S group but not the L/L group. These results suggest that 5-HTTLPR genetic variation modulates amygdala connectivity which subsequently affects its activity during mood regulation, providing an additional mechanism by which the S allele confers depression risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Fang
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, GuangzhouChina
- Center for Functional Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Senhua Zhu
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, GuangzhouChina
- Center for Functional Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seth J. Gillihan
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, GuangzhouChina
| | - Marc Korczykowski
- Center for Functional Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - John A. Detre
- Center for Functional Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hengyi Rao
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, GuangzhouChina
- Center for Functional Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
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Padmanabhan A, Luna B. Developmental imaging genetics: linking dopamine function to adolescent behavior. Brain Cogn 2013; 89:27-38. [PMID: 24139694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of development characterized by numerous neurobiological changes that significantly influence behavior and brain function. Adolescence is of particular interest due to the alarming statistics indicating that mortality rates increase two to three-fold during this time compared to childhood, due largely to a peak in risk-taking behaviors resulting from increased impulsivity and sensation seeking. Furthermore, there exists large unexplained variability in these behaviors that are in part mediated by biological factors. Recent advances in molecular genetics and functional neuroimaging have provided a unique and exciting opportunity to non-invasively study the influence of genetic factors on brain function in humans. While genes do not code for specific behaviors, they do determine the structure and function of proteins that are essential to the neuronal processes that underlie behavior. Therefore, studying the interaction of genotype with measures of brain function over development could shed light on critical time points when biologically mediated individual differences in complex behaviors emerge. Here we review animal and human literature examining the neurobiological basis of adolescent development related to dopamine neurotransmission. Dopamine is of critical importance because of (1) its role in cognitive and affective behaviors, (2) its role in the pathogenesis of major psychopathology, and (3) the protracted development of dopamine signaling pathways over adolescence. We will then focus on current research examining the role of dopamine-related genes on brain function. We propose the use of imaging genetics to examine the influence of genetically mediated dopamine variability on brain function during adolescence, keeping in mind the limitations of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Padmanabhan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Beatriz Luna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Positive Emotion Regulation and Psychopathology: A Transdiagnostic Cultural Neuroscience Approach. J Exp Psychopathol 2013; 4:502-528. [PMID: 24812583 DOI: 10.5127/jep.030412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is burgeoning interest in the study of positive emotion regulation and psychopathology. Given the significant public health costs and the tremendous variance in national prevalence rates associated with many disorders of positive emotion, it is critical to reach an understanding of how cultural factors, along with biological factors, mutually influence positive emotion regulation. Progress in this domain has been relatively unexplored, however, underscoring the need for an integrative review and empirical roadmap for investigating the cultural neuroscientific contributions to positive emotion disturbance for both affective and clinical science domains. The present paper thus provides a multidisciplinary, cultural neuroscience approach to better understand positive emotion regulation and psychopathology. We conclude with a future roadmap for researchers aimed at harnessing positive emotion and alleviating the burden of mental illness cross-culturally.
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Fera F, Passamonti L, Cerasa A, Gioia MC, Liguori M, Manna I, Valentino P, Quattrone A. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism has opposite effects on memory circuits of multiple sclerosis patients and controls. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61063. [PMID: 23593393 PMCID: PMC3623818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Episodic memory deficits are frequent symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis and have been associated with dysfunctions of the hippocampus, a key region for learning. However, it is unclear whether genetic factors that influence neural plasticity modulate episodic memory in MS. We thus studied how the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val(66)Met genotype, a common polymorphism influencing the hippocampal function in healthy controls, impacted on brain networks underlying episodic memory in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess how the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val(66)Met polymorphism modulated brain regional activity and functional connectivity in 26 cognitively unimpaired Multiple Sclerosis patients and 25 age- and education-matched healthy controls while performing an episodic memory task that included encoding and retrieving visual scenes. We found a highly significant group by genotype interaction in the left posterior hippocampus, bilateral parahippocampus, and left posterior cingulate cortex. In particular, Multiple Sclerosis patients homozygous for the Val(66) allele, relative to Met(66) carriers, showed greater brain responses during both encoding and retrieval while the opposite was true for healthy controls. Furthermore, a robust group by genotype by task interaction was detected for the functional connectivity between the left posterior hippocampus and the ipsilateral posterior cingulate cortex. Here, greater hippocampus-posterior cingulate cortex connectivity was observed in Multiple Sclerosis Met(66) carriers relative to Val(66) homozygous during retrieval (but not encoding) while, again, the reverse was true for healthy controls. The Val(66)Met polymorphism has opposite effects on hippocampal circuitry underlying episodic memory in Multiple Sclerosis patients and healthy controls. Enhancing the knowledge of how genetic factors influence cognitive functions may improve the clinical management of memory deficits in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fera
- Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia”, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Catanzaro, Italia
- * E-mail: (FF); (LP)
| | - Luca Passamonti
- Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia”, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Catanzaro, Italia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Unità di Ricerca Neuroimmagini, Catanzaro, Italia
- * E-mail: (FF); (LP)
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Unità di Ricerca Neuroimmagini, Catanzaro, Italia
| | - Maria Cecilia Gioia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Unità di Ricerca Neuroimmagini, Catanzaro, Italia
| | - Maria Liguori
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Neurologiche, Mangone (CS), Italia
| | - Ida Manna
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Neurologiche, Mangone (CS), Italia
| | - Paola Valentino
- Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia”, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Catanzaro, Italia
| | - Aldo Quattrone
- Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia”, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Catanzaro, Italia
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15
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Murphy SE, Norbury R, Godlewska BR, Cowen PJ, Mannie ZM, Harmer CJ, Munafò MR. The effect of the serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) on amygdala function: a meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2013; 18:512-20. [PMID: 22488255 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2012.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism has been widely regarded as a potential genetic risk factor for affective disorders. Consistent with this, this polymorphism has been associated with altered amygdala responses at rest and in response to aversive stimuli. However, the strength of this association remains uncertain. We sought to synthesize existing data on the association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and amygdala activation and ascertain the strength of evidence for this association. Meta-analytic techniques were applied to data from relevant published studies and unpublished data sets to obtain an estimate of the likely magnitude of effect of any association. The large number of studies allowed us to apply a formal test of publication bias, as well as explore the impact of various study-level characteristics on the magnitude of the observed effect size. Our meta-analysis indicated that there is a statistically significant but small effect of 5-HTTLPR on left and right amygdala activity. However, there was considerable between-study heterogeneity, which could not be fully accounted for by the study design and sample characteristics that we investigated. In addition, there was evidence of excess statistical significance among published studies. These findings indicate that the association between the 5-HTTLPR and amygdala activation is smaller than originally thought, and that the majority of previous studies have been considerably under powered to reliably demonstrate an effect of this size.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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16
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Fisher PM, Hariri AR. Identifying serotonergic mechanisms underlying the corticolimbic response to threat in humans. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 368:20120192. [PMID: 23440464 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A corticolimbic circuit including the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays an important role in regulating sensitivity to threat, which is heightened in mood and anxiety disorders. Serotonin is a potent neuromodulator of this circuit; however, specific serotonergic mechanisms mediating these effects are not fully understood. Recent studies have evaluated molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of serotonin signalling on corticolimbic circuit function using a multi-modal neuroimaging strategy incorporating positron emission tomography and blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging. This multi-modal neuroimaging strategy can be integrated with additional techniques including imaging genetics and pharmacological challenge paradigms to more clearly understand how serotonin signalling modulates neural pathways underlying sensitivity to threat. Integrating these methodological approaches offers novel opportunities to identify mechanisms through which serotonin signalling contributes to differences in brain function and behaviour, which in turn can illuminate factors that confer risk for illness and inform the development of more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Fisher
- Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
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17
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Rabl U, Scharinger C, Müller M, Pezawas L. Imaging genetics: implications for research on variable antidepressant drug response. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2012; 3:471-89. [PMID: 22111678 DOI: 10.1586/ecp.10.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variation of SLC6A4, HTR1A, MAOA, COMT and BDNF has been associated with depression, variable antidepressant drug responses as well as impacts on brain regions of emotion processing that are modulated by antidepressants. Pharmacogenetic studies are using psychometric outcome measures of drug response and are hampered by small effect sizes that might be overcome by the use of intermediate endophenotypes of drug response, which are suggested by imaging studies. Such an approach will not only tighten the relationship between genes and drug response, but also yield new insights into the neurobiology of depression and individual drug responses. This article provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacogenetic, imaging genetics and drug response studies, utilizing imaging techniques within the context of antidepressive drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Rabl
- >Division of Biological Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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18
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Walsh ND, Dalgleish T, Dunn VJ, Abbott R, St Clair MC, Owens M, Fairchild G, Kerslake WS, Hiscox LV, Passamonti L, Ewbank M, Ban M, Calder AJ, Goodyer IM. 5-HTTLPR-environment interplay and its effects on neural reactivity in adolescents. Neuroimage 2012; 63:1670-80. [PMID: 23034517 PMCID: PMC3480648 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.07.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is not known how 5-HTTLPR genotype × childhood adversity (CA) interactions that are associated with an increased risk for affective disorders in population studies operate at the neural systems level. We hypothesized that healthy adolescents at increased genetic and environmental risk for developing mood disorders (depression and anxiety) would demonstrate increased amygdala reactivity to emotional stimuli compared to those with only one such risk factor or those with none. Participants (n = 67) were classified into one of 4 groups dependent on being homozygous for the long or short alleles within the serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) of the SLC6A4 gene and exposure to CA in the first 11 years of life (present or absent). A functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation was undertaken which involved viewing emotionally-salient face stimuli. In addition, we assessed the role of other variables hypothesized to influence amygdala reactivity, namely recent negative life-events (RNLE) assessed at ages 14 and 17, current anxiety symptoms and psychiatric history. We replicated prior findings demonstrating moderation by gene variants in 5-HTTLPR, but found no support for an effect of CA on amygdala reactivity. We also found a significant effect of RNLE aged 17 with amygdala reactivity demonstrating additive, but not interactive effects with 5-HTTLPR. A whole-brain analysis found a 5-HTTLPR × CA interaction in the lingual gyrus whereby CA appears to differentially modify neural reactivity depending on genotype. These results demonstrate that two different forms of environmental adversities interplay with 5-HTTLPR and thereby differentially impact amygdala and cortical reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Walsh
- Developmental and Life-course Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 8AD, UK.
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19
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Sex modulates the interactive effect of the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and childhood adversity on hippocampal volume. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:1848-55. [PMID: 22434222 PMCID: PMC3376317 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The common genetic variation of the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been related to depressive symptoms, in particular after stressful life events. Although it has been investigated in the past, results suggesting that the 5-HTTLPR genotype also affects hippocampal volume are often inconsistent and it remains unclear to what extent reduced hippocampal volume is influenced by the effect of stressful life events and 5-HTTLPR genotype. Moreover, sex, which is known to affect the prevalence of depression substantially, has not been taken into account when trying to disentangle the interactive effect of common genetic variation and environmental stressors on the hippocampus. We investigated this potentially relevant three-way interaction using an automatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based segmentation of the hippocampus in 357 healthy individuals. We determined the 5-HTTLPR genotype as a biallelic locus and childhood adversity (CA) using a standard questionnaire. An interaction for hippocampal volume was found between the factors sex, genotype, and severe CA (p=0.010) as well as an interaction between genotype and severe CA (p=0.007) in men only. Post hoc tests revealed that only male S'-allele carriers with severe CA had smaller hippocampi (p=0.002). Interestingly, there was no main effect of genotype in men, while female S'-allele carriers had smaller hippocampi than L'L' carriers (p=0.023). Our results indicate that sex modulates the interactive effect of the 5-HTTLPR genotype and CA on hippocampal volume. While the S'-allele is associated with hippocampal volume independent of CA in women, men only have smaller hippocampi if they carry the risk allele and experienced severe CA.
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20
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Klucken T, Wehrum S, Schweckendiek J, Merz CJ, Hennig J, Vaitl D, Stark R. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is associated with altered hemodynamic responses during appetitive conditioning. Hum Brain Mapp 2012; 34:2549-60. [PMID: 22505321 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current models suggest that a variation in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) is associated with altered amygdala reactivity not only towards negative but also towards positive stimuli, which has been neglected in the past. This association may possibly convey an elevated vulnerability for psychopathology like abuse, craving, and relapses. Since appetitive conditioning is a crucial mechanism in the pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders, the identification of specific factors contributing to interindividual variation is important. METHODS In the present study (N = 86), an appetitive conditioning paradigm was conducted, in which a neutral stimulus (CS+) was associated with appetitive stimuli, while a second stimulus (CS-) predicted their absence. Subjects were genotyped according to the 5-HTTLPR genotype. RESULTS As the main result, we report a significant association between the 5-HTTLPR genotype and hemodynamic responses. Individuals with the s-allele displayed elevated conditioned bilateral amygdala activity in contrast to l/l-allele carriers. Further, increased hemodynamic responses in s-allele carriers were also found in the extended emotional network including the orbitofrontal cortex, the thalamus, and the ventral striatum. CONCLUSION The present findings indicate an association of the 5-HTTLPR and altered conditioned responses in appetitive conditioning. Further, the findings contribute to the ongoing debate on 5-HTTLPR dependent hemodynamic response patterns by emphasizing that s-allele carriers are not exclusively biased towards fearful, but also towards positive stimuli. In conclusion, our results imply that s-allele carriers might be better described as hyper-reactive towards salient stimuli, which may convey vulnerability for the development of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Klucken
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
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21
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Abstract
I propose a reconceptualization of key phenomena important in the study of emotion-those phenomena that reflect functions and circuits related to survival, and that are shared by humans and other animals. The approach shifts the focus from questions about whether emotions that humans consciously feel are also present in other animals, and toward questions about the extent to which circuits and corresponding functions that are present in other animals (survival circuits and functions) are also present in humans. Survival circuit functions are not causally related to emotional feelings but obviously contribute to these, at least indirectly. The survival circuit concept integrates ideas about emotion, motivation, reinforcement, and arousal in the effort to understand how organisms survive and thrive by detecting and responding to challenges and opportunities in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph LeDoux
- Center for Neural Science and Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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22
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Effects of methamphetamine abuse and serotonin transporter gene variants on aggression and emotion-processing neurocircuitry. Transl Psychiatry 2012; 2:e80. [PMID: 22832817 PMCID: PMC3309557 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2011.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals who abuse methamphetamine (MA) exhibit heightened aggression, but the neurobiological underpinnings are poorly understood. As variability in the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene can influence aggression, this study assessed possible contributions of this gene to MA-related aggression. In all, 53 MA-dependent and 47 control participants provided self-reports of aggression, and underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while viewing pictures of faces. Participants were genotyped at two functional polymorphic loci in the SERT gene: the SERT-linked polymorphic region (SERT-LPR) and the intron 2 variable number tandem repeat polymorphism (STin2 VNTR); participants were then classified as having high or low risk for aggression according to individual SERT risk allele combinations. Comparison of SERT risk allele loads between groups showed no difference between MA-dependent and control participants. Comparison of self-report scores showed greater aggression in MA-dependent than control participants, and in high genetic risk than low-risk participants. Signal change in the amygdala was lower in high genetic risk than low-risk participants, but showed no main effect of MA abuse; however, signal change correlated negatively with MA use measures. Whole-brain differences in activation were observed between MA-dependent and control groups in the occipital and prefrontal cortex, and between genetic high- and low-risk groups in the occipital, fusiform, supramarginal and prefrontal cortex, with effects overlapping in a small region in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. The findings suggest that the investigated SERT risk allele loads are comparable between MA-dependent and healthy individuals, and that MA and genetic risk influence aggression independently, with minimal overlap in associated neural substrates.
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23
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Altered amygdala activation during face processing in Iraqi and Afghanistani war veterans. BIOLOGY OF MOOD & ANXIETY DISORDERS 2011; 1:6. [PMID: 22738183 PMCID: PMC3384263 DOI: 10.1186/2045-5380-1-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Exposure to combat can have a significant impact across a wide array of domains, and may manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a debilitating mental illness that is associated with neural and affective sequelae. This study tested the hypothesis that combat-exposed individuals with and without PTSD, relative to healthy control subjects with no history of PTSD or combat exposure, would show amygdala hyperactivity during performance of a well-validated face processing task. We further hypothesized that differences in the prefrontal cortex would best differentiate the combat-exposed groups with and without PTSD. Methods Twelve men with PTSD related to combat in Operations Enduring Freedom and/or Iraqi Freedom, 12 male combat-exposed control patients with a history of Operations Enduring Freedom and/or Iraqi Freedom combat exposure but no history of PTSD, and 12 healthy control male patients with no history of combat exposure or PTSD completed a face-matching task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results The PTSD group showed greater amygdala activation to fearful versus happy faces than both the combat-exposed control and healthy control groups. Both the PTSD and the combat-exposed control groups showed greater amygdala activation to all faces versus shapes relative to the healthy control group. However, the combat-exposed control group relative to the PTSD group showed greater prefrontal/parietal connectivity with the amygdala, while the PTSD group showed greater connectivity with the subgenual cingulate. The strength of connectivity in the PTSD group was inversely related to avoidance scores. Conclusions These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that PTSD is associated with a deficiency in top-down modulation of amygdala activation by the prefrontal cortex and shows specific sensitivity to fearful faces.
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24
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Animal model and neurobiology of suicide. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:818-30. [PMID: 21354241 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are formidable tools to investigate the etiology, the course and the potential treatment of an illness. No convincing animal model of suicide has been produced to date, and despite the intensive study of thousands of animal species naturalists have not identified suicide in nonhuman species in field situations. When modeling suicidal behavior in the animal, the greatest challenge is reproducing the role of will and intention in suicide mechanics. To overcome this limitation, current investigations on animals focus on every single step leading to suicide in humans. The most promising endophenotypes worth investigating in animals are the cortisol social-stress response and the aggression/impulsivity trait, involving the serotonergic system. Astroglia, neurotrophic factors and neurotrophins are implied in suicide, too. The prevention of suicide rests on the identification and treatment of every element increasing the risk.
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25
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Scharinger C, Rabl U, Sitte HH, Pezawas L. Imaging genetics of mood disorders. Neuroimage 2010; 53:810-21. [PMID: 20156570 PMCID: PMC4502568 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Revised: 01/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mood disorders are highly heritable and have been linked to brain regions of emotion processing. Over the past few years, an enormous amount of imaging genetics studies has demonstrated the impact of risk genes on brain regions and systems of emotion processing in vivo in healthy subjects as well as in mood disorder patients. While sufficient evidence already exists for several monaminergic genes as well as for a few non-monoaminergic genes, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy subjects, many others only have been investigated in single studies so far. Apart from these studies, the present review also covers imaging genetics studies applying more complex genetic disease models of mood disorders, such as epistasis and gene-environment interactions, and their impact on brain systems of emotion processing. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the rapidly growing field of imaging genetics studies in mood disorder research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Scharinger
- Division of Biological Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich Rabl
- Division of Biological Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H. Sitte
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Pezawas
- Division of Biological Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Oldehinkel AJ, Bouma EMC. Sensitivity to the depressogenic effect of stress and HPA-axis reactivity in adolescence: a review of gender differences. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 35:1757-70. [PMID: 21040743 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Revised: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is characterized by major biological, psychological, and social challenges, as well as by an increase in depression rates. This review focuses on the association between stressful experiences and depression in adolescence, and the possible role of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex (HPA-)axis in this link. Adolescent girls have a higher probability to develop depressive symptoms than adolescent boys and preadolescents. Increasing evidence indicates that girls' higher risk of depression is partly brought about by an increased sensitivity for stressful life events, particularly interpersonal stressors, which are highly prevalent in adolescent girls. Genetic risk factors for depression, as well as those for stress sensitivity, are often expressed differently in girls and boys. Also environmental adversity tends to affect girls' stress responses more than those of boys. These gender-specific association patterns have been reported for both sensitivity to stressful life events and HPA-axis responses to social stress. Together, the findings suggest that girls are more malleable than boys in response to internal and external influences. This postulated greater malleability may be adaptive in many circumstances, but also brings along risk, such as an increased probability of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albertine J Oldehinkel
- Interdisciplinary Center for Psychiatric Epidemiology, University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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27
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Rieber N, Mischler D, Schumacher V, Muth E, Bischoff S, Klosterhalfen S, Zipfel S, Enck P. Acute tryptophan depletion increases experimental nausea but also induces hunger in healthy female subjects. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2010; 22:752-7, e220. [PMID: 20553564 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2010.01527.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) is an experimental model to reduce central serotonin levels. METHODS Thirty-eight healthy female subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (ATD and control) in a randomized, double-blinded parallel-group design. Following a standardized and balanced amino acid diet (including 1.21 g tryptophan) on the first day, they received either a protein drink without tryptophan (but substituted by other amino acids) (ATD condition) or the balanced protein drink with tryptophan (control condition) 24 h later. Four hours after its consumption, they were exposed to a standard rotation procedure. Symptom ratings (SR), ratings of hunger and mood scores were taken prior to rotation, at each break, and 15 and 30 min thereafter, together with saliva cortisol samples. KEY RESULTS Five subjects could not tolerate the entire rotation procedure and were excluded from analysis. For the remaining n = 33, SR and hunger ratings were higher during ATD than during control conditions, but mood was unaffected. Cortisol levels rose significantly with rotation but were unaffected by ATD. High baseline cortisol levels were associated with lower SR during rotation. The protective effects of morning cortisol were pronounced during the menstrual and follicular phase of the cycle and not present during ovulation and the luteal phase. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Acute tryptophan depletion is associated with increased symptoms of nausea in healthy female subjects when exposed to body rotation. Acute tryptophan depletion also increases hunger rating. These opposite effects may indicate independent actions of the serotonin on central and peripheral functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Rieber
- Department of Internal Medicine VI, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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28
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Althaus M, Groen Y, Wijers AA, Minderaa RB, Kema IP, Dijck JDA, Hoekstra PJ. Variants of the SLC6A3 (DAT1) polymorphism affect performance monitoring-related cortical evoked potentials that are associated with ADHD. Biol Psychol 2010; 85:19-32. [PMID: 20450954 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2010.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 04/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although the 10-repeat (10R) variant of the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1 or SLC6A3) is suggested to be a risk allele for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) no relationships between DAT1 and measures of cognition in children with ADHD have yet been demonstrated. We studied neurophysiological correlates of performance monitoring during a feedback-based learning task by measuring cortical event-related potentials (ERPs) in a group of 65 10-13-year-old children half of whom were diagnosed as ADHD. The first part of the study investigates correlations between parent-reported behaviour problems and several performance monitoring components, while the second part investigates the relationship between DAT1 and these components. Specifically ADHD problems correlated significantly with an error-related positivity (Pe) and a feedback-anticipatory negativity (the SPN). Only these two components discriminated between the DAT1 10/10R and 9R carriers. The 10/10R carriers showed a smaller Pe to errors and a smaller SPN in anticipation of negative feedback, particularly with learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Althaus
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
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29
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Caspi A, Hariri AR, Holmes A, Uher R, Moffitt TE. Genetic sensitivity to the environment: the case of the serotonin transporter gene and its implications for studying complex diseases and traits. Am J Psychiatry 2010; 167:509-27. [PMID: 20231323 PMCID: PMC2943341 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.09101452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 866] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evidence of marked variability in response among people exposed to the same environmental risk implies that individual differences in genetic susceptibility might be at work. The study of such Gene-by-Environment (GxE) interactions has gained momentum. In this article, the authors review research about one of the most extensive areas of inquiry: variation in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4; also known as 5-HTT) and its contribution to stress sensitivity. Research in this area has both advanced basic science and generated broader lessons for studying complex diseases and traits. The authors evaluate four lines of evidence about the 5-HTT stress-sensitivity hypothesis: 1) observational studies about the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), stress sensitivity, and depression in humans; 2) experimental neuroscience studies about the 5-HTTLPR and biological phenotypes relevant to the human stress response; 3) studies of 5-HTT variation and stress sensitivity in nonhuman primates; and 4) studies of stress sensitivity and genetically engineered 5-HTT mutations in rodents. The authors then dispel some misconceptions and offer recommendations for GxE research. The authors discuss how GxE interaction hypotheses can be tested with large and small samples, how GxE research can be carried out before as well as after replicated gene discovery, the uses of GxE research as a tool for gene discovery, the importance of construct validation in evaluating GxE research, and the contribution of GxE research to the public understanding of genetic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychology, and Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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Holmes AJ, Bogdan R, Pizzagalli DA. Serotonin transporter genotype and action monitoring dysfunction: a possible substrate underlying increased vulnerability to depression. Neuropsychopharmacology 2010; 35:1186-97. [PMID: 20090673 PMCID: PMC2840070 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2009.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A variable number of tandem repeats (short (S) vs long (L)) in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and a functional variant of a single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs25531) in 5-HTTLPR have been recently associated with increased risk for major depressive disorder (MDD). In particular, relative to L/L or L(A) homozygotes (hereafter referred to as L' participants), S carriers or L(g)-allele carriers (S' participants) have been found to have a higher probability of developing depression after stressful life events, although inconsistencies abound. Previous research indicates that patients with MDD are characterized by executive dysfunction and abnormal activation within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), particularly in situations requiring adaptive behavioral adjustments following errors and response conflict (action monitoring). The goal of this study was to test whether psychiatrically healthy S' participants would show abnormalities similar to those of MDD subjects. To this end, 19 S' and 14 L' participants performed a modified Flanker task known to induce errors, response conflict, and activations in various ACC subdivisions during functional magnetic resonance imaging. As hypothesized, relative to L' participants, S' participants showed (1) impaired post-error and post-conflict behavioral adjustments; (2) larger error-related rostral ACC activation; and (3) lower conflict-related dorsal ACC activation. As similar behavioral and neural dysfunctions have been recently described in MDD patient samples, the current results raise the possibility that impaired action monitoring and associated ACC dysregulation may represent risk factors increased vulnerability to depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avram J Holmes
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Ryan Bogdan
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Diego A Pizzagalli
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 1220 William James Hall, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA, Tel: +1 671 496 8896, Fax: +1 617 495 3728, E-mail:
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Gruber O, Tost H, Henseler I, Schmael C, Scherk H, Ende G, Ruf M, Falkai P, Rietschel M. Pathological amygdala activation during working memory performance: Evidence for a pathophysiological trait marker in bipolar affective disorder. Hum Brain Mapp 2010; 31:115-25. [PMID: 19603410 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that deficits of working memory may be a promising neurocognitive endophenotype of bipolar affective disorder. However, little is known about the neurobiological correlates of these deficits. The aim of this study was to determine possible pathophysiological trait markers of bipolar disorder in neural circuits involved in working memory. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 18 euthymic bipolar patients and 18 matched healthy volunteers using two circuit-specific experimental tasks established by prior systematic neuroimaging studies of working memory. Both euthymic bipolar patients and healthy controls showed working memory-related brain activations that were highly consistent with findings from previous comparable neuroimaging studies in healthy subjects. While these patterns of brain activation were completely preserved in the bipolar patients, only the patients exhibited activation of the right amygdala during the articulatory rehearsal task. In the same task, functional activation in right frontal and intraparietal cortex and in the right cerebellum was significantly enhanced in the patients. These findings indicate that the right amygdala is pathologically activated in euthymic bipolar patients during performance of a circuit-specific working memory task (articulatory rehearsal). This pathophysiological abnormality appears to be a trait marker in bipolar disorders that can be observed even in the euthymic state and that seems to be largely independent of task performance and medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Gruber
- Centre for Translational Research in Systems Neuroscience and Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany.
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Hajcak G, MacNamara A, Olvet DM. Event-Related Potentials, Emotion, and Emotion Regulation: An Integrative Review. Dev Neuropsychol 2010; 35:129-55. [DOI: 10.1080/87565640903526504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 718] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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33
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[Neurobiological aspects of reactive and proactive violence in antisocial personality disorder and "psychopathy"]. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2010; 58:587-609. [PMID: 19961124 DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2009.58.8.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Impulsive-reactive violent offenders show increased autonomic activity in response to negative emotional and threatening stimuli. A volume reduction and/or activity decrease of frontal brain structures associated with impulse control and the regulation of fear and anger are likewise found in combination with a fear-related hyperactivity of the amygdala. In addition, impulsive aggression is facilitated by variants of gene polymorphisms influencing the serotonergic system. Conversely, proactive-instrumental violent offender with psychopathy, who are characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse, demonstrate an autonomic hypo-responsivity as well as dysfunctions of the amygdala and of cortical regions related to empathic and social behavior. Developmentally, aggressive children exhibit temperamental differences from early childhood on that are characteristic of a developmental pathway towards either reactive or proactive violence later in life. Exposure to negative environmental factors like ineffective parenting or childhood maltreatment has been related to a heightened risk for developing reactive violence. A developmental trajectory of proactive violence, however, has been related to a mostly genetically determined callous unemotional temperament of the child that disrupts the parental socialization efforts during childhood.
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Bismark AW, Moreno FA, Stewart JL, Towers DN, Coan JA, Oas J, Erickson RP, Allen JJB. Polymorphisms of the HTR1a allele are linked to frontal brain electrical asymmetry. Biol Psychol 2009; 83:153-8. [PMID: 20025927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2009.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Revised: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphic variations in genes related to serotonin synthesis, transport, recognition, or degradation may convey subtle changes in serotonin system architecture that may place an individual at risk for psychopathology when faced with life stressors. The relationship between three key serotonin alleles and frontal brain electrical asymmetry, a putative endophenotype of depression, was examined. Risk alleles were hypothesized to predict relatively greater right frontal brain activity regardless of current clinical state. A sample of 313 college-age individuals, spanning a range of depressive severity from no symptomotology to clinically meaningful levels, participated. Resting encephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded from 64 scalp sites on four occasions separated by at least 24h (two 8-min recording sessions occurring at each occasion). Alpha power asymmetry scores between homologous sites were calculated for each session and then averaged to form a trait metric of asymmetry for each pair. PCR based genotyping was conducted for the HTR1a, HTR2a, and HTTLPR genes. Variations in the HTR1a gene were related to trait EEG asymmetry, regardless of any history of depression. Compared to subjects with at least one non-risk allele, subjects with homozygous HTR1A risk alleles had significantly greater relative right frontal activity at sites F7/F8, F5/F6, and F1/F2. In conclusion, variation in HTR1a can influence trait level brain activity, which may ultimately be indicative of risk for psychopathology.
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Subchronic SSRI administration reduces insula response during affective anticipation in healthy volunteers. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2009; 12:1009-20. [PMID: 19545475 PMCID: PMC2846821 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145709990149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula are important neural substrates for the integration of cognitive, emotional, and physiological information, as well as the coordination of responses to anticipated stimuli. Increased neural activation within these structures has been observed in individuals with anxiety and depressive disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most effective and frequently prescribed anxiolytic agents, yet it is not known whether ACC or insula underlie the effects of these drugs. We examined whether subchronic administration of a SSRI to healthy volunteers attenuates activation in ACC or insula during anticipation, an important emotional process underlying anxiety. Support for this hypothesis would help to understand where and by what process SSRIs may exert beneficial effects as anxiolytics and would provide further mechanistic evidence for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a biomarker for the development of anxiolytics. Fifteen volunteers participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study. Participants completed a pleasant and aversive picture-cued anticipation task during fMRI after taking either escitalopram (10 mg) or placebo for 21 d. We found that escitalopram significantly decreased activation in bilateral posterior and middle insula during the anticipation condition irrespective of stimulus valence and in medial prefrontal and ACC during anticipation of aversive vs. pleasant images. Reduced insular and ACC activation in healthy controls during anticipation may be integral to the therapeutic efficacy of SSRIs and may provide a mechanistic approach for the use of pharmaco-fMRI in the identification of novel pharmacotherapeutic agents in patient populations.
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Abstract
The personality trait of neuroticism refers to relatively stable tendencies to respond with negative emotions to threat, frustration, or loss. Individuals in the population vary markedly on this trait, ranging from frequent and intense emotional reactions to minor challenges to little emotional reaction even in the face of significant difficulties. Although not widely appreciated, there is growing evidence that neuroticism is a psychological trait of profound public health significance. Neuroticism is a robust correlate and predictor of many different mental and physical disorders, comorbidity among them, and the frequency of mental and general health service use. Indeed, neuroticism apparently is a predictor of the quality and longevity of our lives. Achieving a full understanding of the nature and origins of neuroticism, and the mechanisms through which neuroticism is linked to mental and physical disorders, should be a top priority for research. Knowing why neuroticism predicts such a wide variety of seemingly diverse outcomes should lead to improved understanding of commonalities among those outcomes and improved strategies for preventing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Lahey
- Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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37
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Miu AC. Genetic contributions to individual differences in emotion: a primer. Rev Neurosci 2009; 19:467-74. [PMID: 19317184 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro.2008.19.6.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The methodological and empirical development of cognitive, affective and clinical neuroscience has brought these fields into the ideal position of being able to benefit from the increasing number of techniques and interdisciplinary applications developed since the completion of the sequencing of the human genome. An increasingly investigated topic in behavioral, molecular and neuroimaging genetics concerns genetic influences on emotional reactivity and regulation. The estimation of the heritability of emotional traits and states, and the identification of functional genetic polymorphisms that are associated with emotional aspects of behavior, hold great promise for understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of mood and anxiety disorders. This article briefly reviews evidence from twin, genetic association, and neuroimaging genetic studies of individual differences in emotion reactivity and regulation, with an emphasis on trends in recent research, and their potential to contribute to the clinical neuroscience of emotional dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei C Miu
- Program of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Kellner M, Muhtz C, Demiralay C, Husemann J, Koelsch W, Yassouridis A, Wiedemann K. The selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor escitalopram modulates the panic response to cholecystokinin tetrapeptide in healthy men depending on 5-HTTLPR genotype. J Psychiatr Res 2009; 43:642-8. [PMID: 18930474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Revised: 08/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, such as escitalopram, are currently the treatment of choice for patients with panic disorder. The panic response to intravenous cholecystokinin tetrapeptide, a potentially useful paradigm for volunteer translational studies, has so far not been investigated in healthy man after respective pre-treatment. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, within subject cross-over design 30 healthy young men, 15 each with the long/long or short/short genotype for the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region, were pre-treated with 10mg/d of escitalopram orally for six weeks and then challenged with 50 microg of cholecystokinin tetrapeptide. The primary outcome measure was the increase of Acute Panic Inventory ratings by cholecystokinin tetrapeptide. The increase of anxiety, tension and stress hormone secretion were secondary outcome measures. A significant treatment by genotype effect on the increases of Acute Panic Inventory ratings emerged. Panic induced by cholecystokinin tetrapeptide was significantly more pronounced in the short/short genotype subjects under escitalopram vs. placebo pre-treatment. With the exception of significantly elevated serum prolactin after escitalopram, no effects in the secondary outcome measures were detected. Contrary to our expectation, no inhibitory effect of escitalopram upon panic symptoms elicited by choleystokinin tetrapeptide could be demonstrated in healthy men. These findings do not support the potential usefulness of this panic model for proof-of-concept studies. The biological underpinnings of the increased panic symptoms after escitalopram in our volunteers with short/short genotype need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kellner
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Anxiety disorders are a growing health problem world-wide. However, the causative factors, etiology, and underlying mechanisms of anxiety disorders, as for most psychiatric disorders, remain relatively poorly understood. The current status of clinical research indicates that anxiety traits and anxiety disorder in man have a genetic component, and therefore genetic modeling in animals is a logical approach to gain a greater insight into their neurobiology. However, it is also clear that the nature of these genetic contributions is highly complex. Moreover, the success of this approach is largely contingent upon the utility of available behavioral paradigms for modeling anxiety-related behaviors in mice. Animal genetic models provide a unique and comprehensive methodological tool to aid discovery into the etiology, neurobiology, and ultimately, the therapy of human anxiety disorders. The approach, however, is challenged with a number of complexities. In particular, the heterogeneous nature of anxiety disorders in man coupled with the associated multifaceted and descriptive diagnostic criteria, create challenges in both animal modeling and in clinical research. In this article, we describe some of the powerful modem genetic techniques that are uniquely amenable to the laboratory mouse and thus provide a strategy for approaching some of these challenges. Moreover, we focus on recent advances which have highlighted the relative contribution of genetic modeling in animals to the understanding of underlying neurobiology and genetic basis of anxiety disorders.
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40
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Kellner M, Demiralay C, Muhtz C, Husemann J, Kölsch W, Hiemke C, Yassouridis A, Wiedemann K. No effect of six weeks of treatment with escitalopram on mood in healthy volunteers--irrespective of genotype for the promoter of the serotonin transporter. Psychiatry Res 2008; 161:339-43. [PMID: 18962988 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2008.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2007] [Revised: 12/07/2007] [Accepted: 04/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Data on emotional effects of chronic antidepressants in normal subjects are scarce and contradictory. Thirty healthy men were given 10 mg/day of escitalopram for 6 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject cross-over study. No significant effect on negative affect, positive affect, or state anxiety was detected, irrespective of serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kellner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Barry RA, Kochanska G, Philibert RA. G x E interaction in the organization of attachment: mothers' responsiveness as a moderator of children's genotypes. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2008; 49:1313-20. [PMID: 19120710 PMCID: PMC2688730 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.01935.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scholars acknowledge that both biologically-founded child temperament and environmental factors are influential in determining the quality of infant-mother attachment. We present evidence for gene by environment (G x E) interaction in the organization of attachment. METHODS Participants were 88 typically developing infants and their mothers. Molecular genetic measures of the infants focused on the polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR, ss/sl vs. ll genotype). Mothers' responsiveness to their infants at 7 months was observed in lengthy naturalistic interactions, and was conceptualized as the environmental influence. RESULTS For infants with a short allele (ss/sl ), variation in mothers' responsiveness was significantly associated with attachment security, assessed at 15 months in the Strange Situation. For those infants, low responsiveness predicted particularly high risk for insecure attachment, and high responsiveness offset that risk. For infants homozygous for the long allele (ll ), there was no association between responsiveness and attachment organization. CONCLUSIONS The findings show that the quality of early care serves to amplify or offset the risk conferred by genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin A Barry
- Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
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42
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Althaus M, Groen Y, Wijers AA, Mulder LJM, Minderaa RB, Kema IP, Dijck JDA, Hartman CA, Hoekstra PJ. Differential effects of 5-HTTLPR and DRD2/ANKK1 polymorphisms on electrocortical measures of error and feedback processing in children. Clin Neurophysiol 2008; 120:93-107. [PMID: 19046929 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2008.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2008] [Revised: 10/08/2008] [Accepted: 10/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Applying a probabilistic learning task we examined the influence of functional polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and the D2 dopamine receptor gene (DRD2/ANKK1) on error and feedback processing by measuring electrocortical event-related potentials (ERPs) in 10- to 12-year-old children. METHODS Three pairwise group comparisons were conducted on four distinguishable ERP components, two of which were response-related, the other two feedback-related. RESULTS Our ERP data revealed that children carrying the short (S) variant of the 5-HTTLPR gene process their errors more intensively while exhibiting less habituation to negative feedback with task progression compared to children who are homozygous for the 5-HTTLPR long (L) variant. Children possessing the Taq1 A variant of the DRD2 gene showed greater sensitivity to negative feedback and, as opposed to Taq1 A non-carriers, a diminishing sensitivity to positive feedback with task progression. Regarding error processing, children possessing both the S variant of the 5-HTTLPR and the Taq1 A allele of the DRD2 gene showed a picture quite similar to that of the 5-HTTLPR S carriers and regarding feedback processing quite similar to that of the DRD2 Taq1 A carriers. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the hypotheses that the 5-HTTLPR S allele may predispose to (performance) anxiety, while DRD2 Taq1 A allele may predispose to the reward deficiency syndrome. SIGNIFICANCE The results may further enhance our understanding of known associations between these polymorphisms and psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Althaus
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Kalin NH, Shelton SE, Fox AS, Rogers J, Oakes TR, Davidson RJ. The serotonin transporter genotype is associated with intermediate brain phenotypes that depend on the context of eliciting stressor. Mol Psychiatry 2008; 13:1021-7. [PMID: 18414408 PMCID: PMC2785009 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2008.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2007] [Revised: 02/22/2008] [Accepted: 03/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A variant allele in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4, the s allele, is associated with increased vulnerability to develop anxiety-related traits and depression. Furthermore, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies reveal that s carriers have increased amygdala reactivity in response to aversive stimuli, which is thought to be an intermediate phenotype mediating the influences of the s allele on emotionality. We used high-resolution microPET [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) scanning to assess regional brain metabolic activity in rhesus monkeys to further explore s allele-related intermediate phenotypes. Rhesus monkeys provide an excellent model to understand mechanisms underlying human anxiety, and FDG microPET allows for the assessment of brain activity associated with naturalistic environments outside the scanner. During FDG uptake, monkeys were exposed to different ethologically relevant stressful situations (relocation and threat) as well as to the less stressful familiar environment of their home cage. The s carriers displayed increased orbitofrontal cortex activity in response to both relocation and threat. However, during relocation they displayed increased amygdala reactivity and in response to threat they displayed increased reactivity of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. No increase in the activity of any of these regions occurred when the animals were administered FDG in their home cages. These findings demonstrate context-dependent intermediate phenotypes in s carriers that provide a framework for understanding the mechanisms underlying the vulnerabilities of s-allele carriers exposed to different types of stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- N H Kalin
- Department of Psychiatry, Wisconsin Psychiatric Institute and Clinics, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI, USA.
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Abstract
Numerous studies have tackled the complex challenge of understanding the neural substrates of psychopathy, revealing that brain abnormalities exist on several levels and in several structures. As we discover more about complex neural networks, it becomes increasingly difficult to clarify how these systems interact with each other to produce the distinct pattern of behavioral and personality characteristics observed in psychopathy. The authors review the recent research on the neurobiology of psychopathy, beginning with molecular neuroscience work and progressing to the level of brain structures and their connectivity. Potential factors that may affect the development of brain impairments, as well as how some systems may be targeted for potential treatment, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Glenn
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 3809 Walnut Street, PA 19104, USA.
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Ray R, Loughead J, Wang Z, Detre J, Yang E, Gur R, Lerman C. Neuroimaging, genetics and the treatment of nicotine addiction. Behav Brain Res 2008; 193:159-69. [PMID: 18599130 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2008.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Advances in neuroimaging and genomics provide an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate medication development for nicotine dependence and other addictions. Neuroimaging studies have begun to elucidate the functional neuroanatomy and neurochemistry underlying effects of nicotine and nicotine abstinence. In parallel, genetic studies, including both candidate gene and genome-wide association approaches, are identifying key neurobiological targets and pathways important in addiction to nicotine. To date, only a few neuroimaging studies have explored effects of nicotine or abstinence on brain activity as a function of genotype. Most analyses of genotype are retrospective, resulting in small sample sizes for testing effects of the minor alleles for candidate genes. The purpose of this review is to provide an outline of the work in neuroimaging, genetics, and nicotine dependence, and to explore the potential for increased integration of these approaches to improve nicotine dependence treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riju Ray
- Trandisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Abstract
Suicidal behavior is partly heritable. Studies seeking the responsible candidate genes have examined genes involved in neurotransmitter systems shown to have altered function in suicide and attempted suicide. These neurotransmitter systems include the serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. With some exceptions, most notably the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (HTTLPR), replication of candidate gene association studies findings has been difficult. This article reviews current knowledge of specific gene effects and gene-environment interactions that influence risk for suicidal behavior. Effects of childhood stress on development and how it influences adult responses to current stress are shown to be relevant for mood disorders, aggressive/impulsive traits, and suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Currier
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, NYSPI Unit #42, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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47
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Fisher PM, Muñoz KE, Hariri AR. Identification of neurogenetic pathways of risk for psychopathology. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2008; 148C:147-53. [PMID: 18412103 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.30173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Imaging genetics has been a highly effective and increasingly applied strategy for identifying the impact of genetic polymorphisms on individual differences in neural circuitry supporting complex behaviors. The application of imaging genetics towards further elucidating neural circuitry associated with the pathophysiology of psychiatric illness is of particular interest given its potential to guide the development and improvement of current therapeutic methods. The identification of genetic variants that contribute to or predict the disruption of specific neural pathways associated with psychopathology may also serve as useful markers of risk demarcating individuals with elevated susceptibility for psychiatric illness and affording early or even preemptive treatment strategies. In the continued development of this technique, recent multimodal neuroimaging strategies and studies examining the effects of multiple genes in concert within large subject populations have shown promise in the development of a more complete understanding of the interrelationships between genes, brain function, behavior and associated risk for psychopathology.
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Abstract
Understanding the organization of the cerebral cortex remains a central focus of neuroscience. Cortical maps have relied almost exclusively on the examination of postmortem tissue to construct structural, architectonic maps. These maps have invariably distinguished between areas with fewer discernable layers, which have a less complex overall pattern of lamination and lack an internal granular layer, and those with more complex laminar architecture. The former includes several agranular limbic areas, and the latter includes the homotypical and granular areas of association and sensory cortex. Here, we relate these traditional maps to developmental data from noninvasive neuroimaging. Changes in cortical thickness were determined in vivo from 764 neuroanatomic magnetic resonance images acquired longitudinally from 375 typically developing children and young adults. We find differing levels of complexity of cortical growth across the cerebrum, which align closely with established architectonic maps. Cortical regions with simple laminar architecture, including most limbic areas, predominantly show simpler growth trajectories. These areas have clearly identified homologues in all mammalian brains and thus likely evolved in early mammals. In contrast, polysensory and high-order association areas of cortex, the most complex areas in terms of their laminar architecture, also have the most complex developmental trajectories. Some of these areas are unique to, or dramatically expanded in primates, lending an evolutionary significance to the findings. Furthermore, by mapping a key characteristic of these development trajectories (the age of attaining peak cortical thickness) we document the dynamic, heterochronous maturation of the cerebral cortex through time lapse sequences ("movies").
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49
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Munafò MR, Brown SM, Hariri AR. Serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) genotype and amygdala activation: a meta-analysis. Biol Psychiatry 2008; 63:852-7. [PMID: 17949693 PMCID: PMC2755289 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2007] [Revised: 08/22/2007] [Accepted: 08/24/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the magnitude of the reported associations between amygdala activation and the serotonin transporter gene linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and the likely effect size of this relationship. METHODS We used meta-analytic techniques to combine data from existing published and unpublished studies. We also tested for possible publication bias and explored possible moderating influences on any association, such as sample ancestry. RESULTS Our results provide support for the association of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and amygdala activation and suggest that this locus may account for up to 10% of phenotypic variance. Although we did not observe evidence for potential publication bias in our main analysis, this was due in part to efforts to obtain unpublished data pertinent to this meta-analysis, and when three unpublished data sets were excluded we did observe evidence of such bias. We also observed evidence that the first published study may provide an overestimate of the true effect size, which is consistent with findings from genetic association studies of other phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Although our analysis provides support for the association of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and amygdala activation, it also suggests that most studies to date are nevertheless lacking in statistical power. Increasing the sample sizes of future imaging genetics studies will allow a more accurate characterization of any true effect size and afford adequate power to examine the impact of multiple polymorphisms that likely work in concert to affect gene function and, in turn, bias neural processes mediating dispositional traits such as temperament and personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus R. Munafò
- Department of Experimental Psychology (MRM), University of Bristol, United Kingdom; Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology (SMB, ARH), University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah M. Brown
- Department of Experimental Psychology (MRM), University of Bristol, United Kingdom; Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology (SMB, ARH), University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ahmad R. Hariri
- Department of Experimental Psychology (MRM), University of Bristol, United Kingdom; Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology (SMB, ARH), University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Bigos KL, Hariri AR. Neuroimaging: technologies at the interface of genes, brain, and behavior. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2008; 17:459-67, viii. [PMID: 17983963 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2007.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuroimaging technologies provide a powerful approach to exploring the genetic basis of individual differences in complex behaviors and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric illness. Functional MRI studies have established important physiologic links between genetic polymorphisms and robust differences in information processing within distinct brain regions and circuits that have been linked to the manifestation of various disease. Neuroimaging technologies represent a critical tool in efforts to understand the neurobiology of normal and pathologic behavioral states. Research capitalizing on neuroimagingbased integration will contribute to the identification of predictive markers and biologic pathways for neuropsychiatric disease vulnerability and the generation of novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Bigos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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