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Epistatic interaction between COMT and DAT1 genes on eating behavior: a pilot study.

Samantha L Hersrud¹, Scott F Stoltenberg

¹Black Hills State University, Department of Biology, 1200 University Street, Spearfish, SD 57799, USA.

Eating Behaviors

|May 19, 2009

Summary

Genetic variations in dopamine system genes, Catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) and dopamine transporter (DAT), significantly impact eating behaviors and binge eating in women. Epistasis between these genes is crucial for understanding eating psychopathology.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Genetics
Psychology

Background:

Dopamine (DA) system plays a role in food and weight issues in women.
Catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) and dopamine transporter (DAT) regulate extracellular DA levels.
COMT Val158Met and DAT1 3' UTR VNTR polymorphisms are linked to reward and cognition, suggesting a role in eating behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between COMT and DAT1 gene polymorphisms and eating psychopathology, including binge eating, in women.
To explore potential epistatic interactions between COMT and DAT1 in relation to eating behaviors.

Main Methods:

Genotyping of COMT Val158Met and DAT1 3' UTR VNTR polymorphisms in a sample of undergraduate college women (N=71).
Assessment of binge eating and eating psychopathology in the study participants.
Statistical analysis to determine the interaction (epistasis) between COMT and DAT1 genes.

Main Results:

A significant epistatic interaction was found between COMT and DAT1 genes influencing eating psychopathology (p=.02).
This interaction also significantly affected binge eating (p=.02).

Conclusions:

The findings highlight the importance of considering gene-gene interactions (epistasis) when studying the genetic basis of maladaptive eating behaviors.
The dopamine system, through the interplay of COMT and DAT1, is implicated in the risk for eating disorders.