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Predicting Behavior Problems in Korean Preschoolers: Interactions of the SLC6A4 Gene and Maternal Negative

Junghee Ha1, Hey Jung Jun2, Hyewon Shin3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine.

Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience : the Official Scientific Journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology
|March 26, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Maternal negative affectivity moderates the SLC6A4 gene

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral genetics
  • Child psychology
  • Psychiatric genetics

Background:

  • Child behavior problems are influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
  • The serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is implicated in behavioral regulation.
  • Maternal negative affectivity (MNA) is a potential environmental moderator.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine if MNA moderates the association between SLC6A4 gene polymorphism and child behavior problems.
  • To understand the interplay between genetic predisposition and maternal environment in child development.

Main Methods:

  • 143 South Korean preschool children and their mothers participated.
  • Child behavior was assessed using the Childhood Behavior Checklist.
  • Maternal affectivity was measured using the Emotionality, Activity, and Sociability adult scale.
  • Serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) polymorphism was determined via DNA genotyping.

Main Results:

  • MNA significantly influenced both externalizing and internalizing behavior problems.
  • A significant interaction was found between SLC6A4 polymorphism and MNA on child behavior.
  • Children with two short SLC6A4 alleles showed MNA-dependent behavior problems, unlike those with zero or one short allele.

Conclusions:

  • MNA moderates the impact of SLC6A4 polymorphism on child behavior.
  • The effect of the SLC6A4 risk allele is modulated by MNA levels.
  • Interventions targeting MNA may be beneficial for children with high genetic risk (two short SLC6A4 alleles).
Abstract

Keywords:
Child behaviorGene-environment interactionMaternal behaviorSLC6A4 protein

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