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COMT val158met predicts reward responsiveness in humans
T M Lancaster1, D E Linden2,3, E A Heerey4
1School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2AS, UK.
Genes, Brain, and Behavior
|August 21, 2012
Summary
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val158met gene variant influences decision-making. Individuals with the COMT met/met genotype exhibit heightened reward responsiveness and risk-seeking behavior compared to val allele carriers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, specifically the val158met functional variant (rs4680), is linked to decision-making and cognitive functions.
- COMT's role is thought to involve modulating dopamine-related decision-making and reward-guided behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the COMT val158met polymorphism and reward responsiveness.
- To determine if COMT genotype influences risk-seeking behavior in the presence of reward.
Main Methods:
- Assessed reward responsiveness using a dedicated task.
- Evaluated risk-seeking behavior with the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART).
- Genotyped participants (N=70, Western European students) for the COMT val158met polymorphism.
Main Results:
- Individuals with the met/met genotype (n=19) displayed significantly higher reward responsiveness compared to val/met (n=25) and val/val (n=26) carriers (F2,64=4.02, P=0.02).
- The met/met genotype was also associated with significantly greater reward-seeking behavior (F(2,68)=4.52, P=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Genotype-dependent reward responsiveness significantly shapes reward-seeking behavior.
- This suggests a novel framework for understanding how COMT genetic variations modulate behavior, particularly in reward contexts.
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