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No association between serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and personality traits
J P Gustavsson1, M M Nöthen, E G Jönsson
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. petter.gustavsson@knv.ki.se
American Journal of Medical Genetics
|July 14, 1999
Summary
This study investigated the link between serotonin transporter gene variations and neuroticism. Researchers could not replicate previous findings, finding no significant association between these serotonin transporter polymorphisms and personality traits.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatric genetics
Background:
- Heritability of personality traits is well-established through family and twin studies.
- A prior study suggested a link between serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism and neuroticism-related traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate the association between serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and neuroticism-related personality traits.
- To investigate the genetic underpinnings of personality variation.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of two serotonin transporter polymorphisms in two independent Swedish cohorts (n=127 and n=178).
- Assessment of personality traits using the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP) inventory.
- Statistical analysis to determine the association between genotypes and KSP scale scores.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant association was found between the studied serotonin transporter polymorphisms and any of the eight neuroticism-related KSP scales.
- The previously reported association could not be replicated in either sample.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a direct association between the investigated serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and neuroticism-related personality traits in the studied populations.
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex genetic and environmental influences on personality traits.