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Possible genetic association between vasopressin receptor 1B and child aggression

Clement C Zai1, Katherine E Muir, Behdin Nowrouzi

  • 1Neurogenetics Section, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Psychiatry Research
|August 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in the arginine vasopressin receptor 1B (AVPR1B) are linked to childhood aggression. This study identified specific gene polymorphisms associated with aggressive behavior in children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Animal models suggest the arginine vasopressin signaling pathway influences aggressive behavior.
  • The specific role of arginine vasopressin in childhood aggression remains largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the genetic association between arginine vasopressin pathway genes and childhood aggression.
  • To identify specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes linked to aggressive behavior in children.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in arginine vasopressin and its receptor genes.
  • Utilized a sample of 177 aggressive child cases and matched adult controls.
  • Employed case-control genetic association study design.

Main Results:

  • A significant association was found between the AVPR1B_rs35369693 polymorphism and child aggression (P=0.007).
  • A two-marker haplotype (AVPR1B_rs35369693 and AVPR1B_rs28676508) also showed significant association (P=0.003).
  • Haplotype findings remained significant after multiple-testing correction.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first genetic evidence linking vasopressin receptor 1B (AVPR1B) to childhood aggression.
  • Further replication studies in independent cohorts are necessary to validate these genetic associations.
Abstract

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