Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
05:42
The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior
Published on: March 2, 2015
Plasticity genes do not modify associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms
N Stavrakakis1, A J Oldehinkel, E Nederhof
1Interdisciplinary Centre for Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands. n.stavrakakis@umcg.nl
Summary
Plasticity genes do not alter the link between adolescent physical activity and depressive symptoms. This study found no evidence that genetic variations influence how exercise affects mood in young people.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Adolescent Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Physical activity is linked to lower depression rates in adolescents, but this association varies.
- Individual genetic differences may explain these variations in the physical activity-depression relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if plasticity genes modify the prospective, reciprocal associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms in adolescents.
- To explore the role of specific gene polymorphisms and a cumulative plasticity index.
Main Methods:
- Prospective population-based study with 1,196 adolescents assessed at ages 11, 13.5, and 16.
- Structural Equation Modeling used to analyze reciprocal effects between physical activity and depressive symptoms.
- Examined polymorphisms (5-HTTLPR, DRD2, DRD4, MAOA, TPH1, 5-HTR2A, COMT, BDNF) and a cumulative plasticity index.
Main Results:
- Significant reciprocal associations were found between physical activity and depressive symptoms over time.
- Neither the cumulative plasticity index nor individual gene polymorphisms altered the strength of these associations.
Conclusions:
- Plasticity genes do not appear to modify the associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms in adolescents.
- The relationship between physical activity and adolescent depression is not genetically moderated by the studied plasticity genes.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
00:58Plasticity
Plasticity is the property where an object loses its elasticity and undergoes irreversible deformation, even after the deformation forces are eliminated. If a material deforms irreversibly without increasing stress or load, then this is called ideal plasticity. For example, when a force is applied to an aluminum rod, it changes its shape, but it does not return to its original shape once the force is removed. Plastic deformation or ductility is thus a permanent deformation or change in the...
01:01Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
01:32Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...