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    Biol Psychiatry. 2004 Feb 1;55(3):244-9.

    Serotonin transporter and GABAA alpha 6 receptor variants are associated with neuroticism.

    Sen S, Villafuerte S, Nesse R, Stoltenberg SF, Hopcian J, Gleiberman L, Weder A, Burmeister M.

    Neuroscience Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0720, USA.

    BACKGROUND: A tendency to experience negative affect, as measured by the neuroticism component of the Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness Personality Inventory (NEO-PI), is a trait marker for major depression. Epidemiologic studies indicate a strong genetic component, but to date few specific genetic variants have been definitively implicated. A serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) has been extensively studied in neuroticism and several psychiatric disorders, with inconclusive results. A GABA(A) receptor alpha6 subunit variant (Pro385Ser) has been associated with alcohol-related traits but has not been studied in neuroticism or depression. METHODS: A total of 384 subjects who completed the NEO-PI were genotyped at 5-HTTLPR and Pro385Ser. Associations between polymorphisms and both alcohol use and personality domains were tested. RESULTS: The 5-HTTLPR short allele (p =.008) and Pro385Ser Pro allele (p =.003) are associated with higher neuroticism scores. The 5-HTTLPR long allele (p =.006), but not Pro385Ser, is also associated with an increased presence of alcohol use. In addition, there is a nonsignificant suggestion of an interaction: the effect of 5-HTTLPR on neuroticism might be dependent on the Pro385Ser genotype. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a role for the serotonin transporter and GABA(A) alpha6 subunit in depression-related traits.

    PMID: 14744464 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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