Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome
Published on: September 23, 2015
The interaction between serotonin receptor 2A and catechol-O-methyltransferase gene polymorphisms is associated with
Johanna Salo1, Laura Pulkki-Råback, Mirka Hintsanen
1Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Objective:
Novelty seeking is a trait that has been consistently associated with problem behaviours. There is evidence for heritability of novelty seeking, but the molecular genetic basis of the trait is still widely unclear.
Methods:
The interaction between polymorphisms of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and serotonin receptor 2A genes was examined in relation to novelty seeking and its different subscales in healthy Finnish adults. A subsample of 1214 participants derived from a population-based sample was genotyped for the COMT Val158Met (rs4680) and HTR2A T102C (rs6313) genes. Novelty seeking was measured twice, with a 4-year interval, using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory.
Results:
The interaction between COMT Val158Met and HTR2A T102C polymorphisms was found to be associated with subscale impulsiveness. T/T carriers of HTR2A T102C polymorphism, that also had Met/Met genotype of COMT Val158Met single nucleotide polymorphism, scored significantly higher on impulsiveness than Val allele carriers (P=0.005).
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that the interaction between dopaminergic and serotonergic genes might underlie impulsiveness. Together with earlier research our results also stress the importance of considering novelty seeking as a heterogeneous trait with its subscales having different genetic backgrounds.
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...

