Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats
Published on: March 17, 2019
DNA polymorphism in the FKBP5 gene affects impulsivity in intertemporal choice
Yoshiya Kawamura1, Taiki Takahashi, Xiaoxi Liu
1Department of Psychiatry, Sakae Seijinkai Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan. yoshiya-tky@umin.ac.jp
This study links FKBP5 gene variations to reduced impulsivity in financial decisions. A specific FKBP5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was associated with less delay discounting, suggesting a genetic influence on intertemporal choice.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Impulsivity in intertemporal choice is measured as delay discounting.
- FKBP5 gene variations influence glucocorticoid receptor (GR) sensitivity and cortisol levels.
- Higher cortisol levels correlate with lower impulsivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between FKBP5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and delay discounting behavior.
Main Methods:
- 91 healthy Japanese participants completed the monetary choice questionnaire (MCQ).
- Five FKBP5 SNPs were genotyped.
- Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between SNPs and the hyperbolic time-discount rate (k).
Main Results:
- The SNP rs1360780 showed a significant association with delay discounting.
- Participants with more minor alleles (T) at rs1360780 exhibited less impulsivity for delayed rewards (P = 0.047).
Conclusions:
- The minor allele (T) of FKBP5 SNP rs1360780 may reduce impulsivity in intertemporal choice.
- This effect might be mediated by FKBP5 overexpression, leading to GR resistance and elevated cortisol levels.
- This is the first study to establish a link between FKBP5 and impulsivity in intertemporal choice.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Polymorphism, Amorphism and Pseudopolymorphism
Some polymorphic crystals possess lower aqueous solubility than their amorphous counterparts, leading to incomplete absorption. For instance, the oral suspension of Chloramphenicol, which...

