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Interactions between the COMT Val108/158Met polymorphism and maternal prenatal smoking predict aggressive behavior
Patricia A Brennan1, Constance Hammen, Patrick Sylvers
1Department of Psychology, 36 Eagle Row, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. pbren01@emory.edu
Biological Psychology
|March 2, 2011
Summary
Maternal prenatal smoking increased offspring aggression, but only in youth with a specific catechol O methyltransferase gene (COMT) variant. This gene-environment interaction highlights genetic influences on externalizing disorders.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke is linked to offspring behavioral problems.
- Genetic factors, such as the catechol O methyltransferase (COMT) gene, may influence individual susceptibility to environmental risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the moderating role of the COMT Val108/158Met polymorphism (rs4680) in the association between maternal prenatal smoking and offspring externalizing disorders.
- To examine the impact of this gene-environment interaction on attention problems and aggression in offspring.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 430 young adults and their mothers.
- Mothers reported smoking during pregnancy; offspring provided genetic data.
- Offspring aggression and attention problems assessed at ages 15 and 20 via multi-informant reports (mother, teacher, peer, self).
Main Results:
- A significant interaction between maternal smoking and the COMT Val108/158Met polymorphism predicted offspring aggressive behavior at ages 15 and 20.
- This gene-environment interaction did not significantly predict attention problems in offspring.
Conclusions:
- The COMT gene moderates the relationship between prenatal smoking exposure and offspring aggression.
- Genetic predispositions can influence the impact of environmental factors on child development and behavior.
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