Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
07:30
HSV-Mediated Transgene Expression of Chimeric Constructs to Study Behavioral Function of GPCR Heteromers in Mice
Published on: July 9, 2016
Gene X environment interactions at the serotonin transporter locus
Marcus R Munafò1, Caroline Durrant, Glyn Lewis
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom. marcus.munafo@bristol.ac.uk
Biological Psychiatry
|August 12, 2008
Summary
The serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) gene and stressful life events (SLE) interaction has a negligible effect on depression risk. Most positive findings in genetic research may be due to chance, indicating underpowered studies.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Psychiatric genetics
- Molecular psychiatry
Background:
- Human behavior and disease result from genetic and environmental factors.
- Molecular-level gene-environment (G x E) interactions are less established.
- The serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) gene is a candidate for G x E interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the 5-HTTLPR x stressful life event (SLE) literature.
- To assess the robustness of reported G x E interaction claims.
- To evaluate the consistency of findings with G x E hypotheses.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies.
- Investigation of main effects and interaction effects.
- Simulation to assess statistical power and chance findings.
Main Results:
- The main effect of 5-HTTLPR genotype on depression risk is negligible.
- The interaction effect between 5-HTTLPR and SLE on depression risk is negligible.
- Few studies show replication comparable to original reports.
Conclusions:
- Published studies on 5-HTTLPR x SLE interactions are likely underpowered.
- Positive interaction findings are compatible with chance.
- The claimed G x E interaction lacks robust empirical support.
Related Concept Videos
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:29Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
01:16Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters
The pharmacogenetics of drug transporters is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing interindividual variability in drug absorption, distribution, and elimination. These membrane-bound proteins regulate drugs' movement across cellular barriers by actively pumping them out (efflux) or facilitating their uptake (influx). Among the major transporter families, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) transporters play particularly prominent roles. Genetic polymorphisms...
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...