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Effect of the COMT Val158Met genotype on lateral prefrontal activations in young children

Yusuke Moriguchi1,2,3, Ikuko Shinohara4

  • 1Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Yoshidahoncho, Kyoto, Japan.

Developmental Science
|January 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children with the COMT Val/Val genotype show enhanced cognitive shifting and prefrontal brain activity. This genetic variant may offer protection against future developmental issues in early childhood.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Low executive function (EF) in early childhood is linked to developmental delays and academic challenges.
  • Genetic factors, particularly those regulating prefrontal dopamine, may influence EF.
  • The COMT gene's Val158Met polymorphism is studied in adults/older children for EF, but its role in young children is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the COMT Val158Met gene polymorphism and prefrontal brain activity during executive function tasks in young children.
  • To examine the relationship between COMT genotype and cognitive shifting abilities in 3- to 6-year-old children.

Main Methods:

  • Studied a common functional polymorphism (Val158Met) in the COMT gene.
  • Assessed cognitive shifting performance in 3- to 6-year-old children.
  • Measured prefrontal brain activations using neuroimaging during EF tasks.

Main Results:

  • Children with the Val/Val genotype demonstrated superior rule-switching abilities in cognitive tasks.
  • Val/Val homozygotes exhibited greater lateral prefrontal cortex activation compared to Met carriers (Met/Met and Met/Val).
  • This is the first study linking a specific gene polymorphism to prefrontal activation in young children during EF tasks.

Conclusions:

  • COMT Val homozygosity is associated with enhanced cognitive shifting and prefrontal function in early childhood.
  • This genetic profile may confer an advantage for cognitive and social development, potentially lowering risks for future issues.
  • Findings highlight the role of genetic variations in early childhood executive functions.

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