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Dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene modulates individuals' empathic ability.

Pingyuan Gong¹, Jinting Liu², She Li²

¹Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education) and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education) and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.

Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience

|August 31, 2013

Summary

The DBH -1021C/T gene variant influences empathy. Individuals with the CC genotype, showing higher enzyme activity, exhibit greater empathic perception and response.

Keywords:

DBH dopamine beta-hydroxylase empathy polymorphism −1021C/T

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Behavioral Genetics
Social Psychology

Background:

Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) is crucial for converting dopamine to norepinephrine.
DBH influences various social functions, but its genetic basis in empathy is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between DBH gene polymorphisms (-1021C/T and 19 bp insertion/deletion) and individual differences in empathy.

Main Methods:

Empathic perception was assessed using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test.
Empathic response was measured by the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (empathic concern subscale).
Genotyping for DBH polymorphisms was performed.

Main Results:

The DBH -1021C/T polymorphism significantly predicted empathic perception (2.3% variance) and empathic response (1.4% variance).
The 19 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism did not show a significant association with empathy measures.
Individuals with the CC genotype (higher DBH activity) demonstrated enhanced empathic abilities compared to CT/TT genotypes.

Conclusions:

The DBH -1021C/T polymorphism is a significant genetic factor influencing empathy.
This finding highlights the role of DBH genetic variations in social and affective processing.
DBH -1021C/T may serve as a biomarker for predicting individual differences in empathy.