Associations between genetic risk, functional brain network organization and neuroticism

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Neuroticism and genetic variations in serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genes are established risk factors for psychopathology.
• Previous research indicates that higher neuroticism scores correlate with altered functional integration and segregation of neural circuits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of genetic risk factors (5-HTTLPR and COMT polymorphisms) on functional brain network organization.
• To examine whether these genetic factors moderate the relationship between neuroticism and functional network organization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized graph theory analysis on resting-state fMRI data from 120 women.
• Genotyped participants for 5-HTTLPR (S-carriers vs. L-homozygotes) and COMT (rs4680-rs165599; risk vs. non-risk groups) polymorphisms.
• Assessed functional network organization in relation to neuroticism scores and genetic variations.

Main Results:

• 5-HTTLPR S-carriers exhibited reduced connectivity in cognitive control subnetworks compared to L-homozygotes.
• The COMT polymorphism moderated the association between neuroticism and network organization.
• In the COMT risk group, higher neuroticism was linked to lower efficiency in visual and somatosensory-motor subnetworks.

Conclusions:

• Altered network topology in relation to 5-HTTLPR suggests potential impacts on emotion regulation.
• COMT gene variants may influence emotional salience processing, as indicated by moderated network efficiency.
• Findings highlight distinct cognitive-emotional processes affected by specific genetic risk factors and neuroticism.