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Antisociality, substance dependence, and the DRD5 gene: a preliminary study
M M Vanyukov1, H B Moss, B B Kaplan
1Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research (CEDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA. mmv@pitt.edu
American Journal of Medical Genetics
|October 31, 2000
Summary
The DRD5 gene may influence oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) symptoms in adults. This genetic link suggests a role in the development and continuation of antisocial behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) are significant behavioral conditions.
- Genetic factors are implicated in the etiology of these disorders.
- The DRD5 gene, encoding a dopamine receptor, is a candidate for investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a microsatellite polymorphism at the DRD5 locus and ODD and ASPD.
- To explore the role of ODD in mediating the relationship between DRD5 genotype and ASPD.
- To examine the influence of the DRD5 locus on liability to substance dependence (SD).
Main Methods:
- Pilot population-based study design.
- Analysis of microsatellite polymorphism at the DRD5 locus.
- Assessment of childhood symptom counts for ODD and conduct disorder.
- Evaluation of adult ASPD and SD liability.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the DRD5 polymorphism and childhood ODD symptoms in both males and females.
- The DRD5 polymorphism was associated with adult ASPD in females.
- ODD mediated the genotype-ASPD relationship in females, but not for SD liability.
Conclusions:
- The DRD5 locus appears to be involved in the variation and sexual dimorphism of antisociality.
- The findings suggest a role for DRD5 in the developmental continuity of antisocial behaviors.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking DRD5 to these behavioral phenotypes.