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Gender differences in association between serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and personality traits
1Institute of Mental Health Research at Royal Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. ldu@rohcg.on.ca
Psychiatric Genetics
|April 28, 2001
Summary
This study found a link between the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) short allele and higher Neuroticism, but only in males. Gender significantly influences personality traits, potentially explaining inconsistent prior research findings.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been investigated for associations with personality traits, particularly Neuroticism.
- Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the link between 5-HTTLPR and Neuroticism.
- The role of gender in mediating genetic associations with personality remains an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate the association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and Neuroticism in a well-defined healthy population.
- To investigate the influence of a second serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (intronic VNTR) on personality traits.
- To examine the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between 5-HTTLPR and personality.
Main Methods:
- Personality traits were assessed using the NEO Five Factor Inventory in 186 unrelated healthy subjects.
- Genotyping for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and an intronic VNTR polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene was performed.
- Statistical analyses included t-tests and ANOVAs to assess genotype-phenotype associations and gender effects.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the 5-HTTLPR short allele and higher Neuroticism scores, specifically in male subjects.
- Gender had a significant effect on mean Neuroticism and Agreeableness scores.
- No significant association was observed between 5-HTTLPR genotype and Neuroticism or Agreeableness in the overall sample or when analyzed independently of gender.
Conclusions:
- The findings replicate the association between the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and Neuroticism, but highlight its specificity to the male population.
- Significant gender differences in the genetic contribution to behavioral phenotypes were observed.
- These gender-specific effects may reconcile discrepancies in previous research on 5-HTTLPR and Neuroticism.