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Imaging genetics: perspectives from studies of genetically driven variation in serotonin function and corticolimbic
Ahmad R Hariri1, Emily M Drabant, Daniel R Weinberger
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-2593, USA.
Biological Psychiatry
|January 31, 2006
Summary
Genetic variations in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) influence brain function, specifically amygdala reactivity. This gene variant is linked to temperamental anxiety and increased risk for mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Advances in molecular biology and neuroimaging enable the study of gene-brain-behavior relationships.
- Understanding genetic influences on brain function is crucial for psychiatric research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale for using neuroimaging to study genetic effects on brain function.
- To highlight how genetic variation in serotonin transporter function impacts corticolimbic circuits and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies investigating the human serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) variant.
- Neuroimaging techniques to assess corticolimbic structure and function.
- Correlation of genetic variation with behavioral measures like temperamental anxiety.
Main Results:
- The 5-HTTLPR variant biases amygdala reactivity to environmental cues.
- This genetic variant affects the development and functional integration of the corticolimbic circuit.
- Corticolimbic circuit function predicts individual differences in temperamental anxiety.
Conclusions:
- The 5-HTTLPR gene variant influences brain circuitry involved in emotional processing.
- This genetic variation may serve as a biological marker for increased risk of mood disorders.