Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2025
11:31
Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
16.0K
Interactions Between Serotonin Transporter Gene and Adverse Childhood Experience in a Generalized Additive Model: A
Kosuke Niitsu1, Chiyoung Lee2, Michael J Rice3
1Kosuke Niitsu, PhD, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA, USA.
Summary
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) impact mental health differently based on the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR/rs25531) variant. The short allele shows a stronger negative association with mental health after up to four ACEs.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Genetics
- Mental Health Research
- Gene-Environment Interactions
Background:
- Potentially traumatic events (PTEs), including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), have heterogeneous effects on mental health.
- Resilience is a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors, including gene-environment interactions like the serotonin transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR/rs25531) and ACEs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene-by-environment interactions on mental health outcomes in adults.
- To explore the relationship between 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 gene variants and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on mental health.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study utilized a generalized additive model (GAM) with 70 healthcare students.
- Saliva samples analyzed 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotypes.
- Participants completed ACE Questionnaire and Mental Health Inventory; GAMs adjusted for age, gender, and race.
Main Results:
- A linear association between ACE score and mental health was observed for the long 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 allele (EDF=1).
- A curved association was found for the short 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 allele (EDF≈2), indicating worsening mental health with up to four ACEs.
- The impact of ACEs on mental health was more pronounced in individuals with the short allele.
Conclusions:
- The short allele of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 confers greater vulnerability to the negative mental health effects of ACEs.
- This study offers a novel perspective on analyzing gene-environment interactions in mental health research.
Keywords:
adverse childhood experiencesgene by environmental interactiongeneralized additive modelpsychological resilienceserotonin-transporter-linked promoter region (5-httlpr/rs25531)More Related Videos
09:38Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction PPI Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: November 14, 2017
14.9K
08:08Straightforward Assay for Quantification of Social Avoidance in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: December 13, 2014
11.2K
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
559
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
559
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
353
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
353
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
293
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
293
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
6.5K
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
6.5K
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
107
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
107
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
83
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
83