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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
10:17
An Allele-specific Gene Expression Assay to Test the Functional Basis of Genetic Associations
Published on: November 3, 2010
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.
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