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Published on: October 24, 2018
5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms moderate effects of stress on rumination
P C Clasen1, T T Wells, V S Knopik
1Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-0187, USA. clasen@mail.utexas.edu
Genetic variations in serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF Val66Met) influence rumination. Individuals with specific gene alleles ruminate more when experiencing life stress, indicating genetic sensitivity to stress.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychology
Background:
- Rumination is a cognitive process linked to stress and mental health.
- Genetic factors may influence individual differences in stress response and cognitive patterns.
- Serotonin transporter (SLC6A4, 5-HTTLPR) and BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) are key genes implicated in mood and stress regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphisms moderate the link between life stress and rumination.
- To explore the cumulative effect of risk alleles across these genes on rumination.
Main Methods:
- Study included 273 healthy, unmedicated, never-depressed individuals.
- Genotyping for 5-HTTLPR (short/S and long/L alleles) and BDNF Val66Met (Val and Met alleles).
- Assessment of life stress and rumination levels.
Main Results:
- Individuals with two short (S) alleles of 5-HTTLPR or two Met alleles of BDNF Val66Met exhibited higher rumination under life stress.
- Accumulation of risk alleles (S and Met) across both genes was significantly associated with increased rumination in response to stress.
Conclusions:
- Both 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms moderate the relationship between life stress and rumination.
- Genetic variations in these genes contribute to biological sensitivity to the negative impacts of stress.
- Findings highlight the interplay between genetics, stress, and cognitive responses like rumination.
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