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Pleiotropic effect of the TPH A779C polymorphism on nicotine dependence and personality
Author(s) -
Reuter M.,
Hennig J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
american journal of medical genetics part b: neuropsychiatric genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.393
H-Index - 126
eISSN - 1552-485X
pISSN - 1552-4841
DOI - 10.1002/ajmg.b.30153
Subject(s) - hostility , nicotine , neuroticism , psychology , tryptophan hydroxylase , personality , genotype , addiction , serotonergic , big five personality traits , clinical psychology , trait , genetics , psychiatry , gene , biology , serotonin , social psychology , receptor , computer science , programming language
Recent studies from molecular genetics have suggested an association between the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 ( TPH1 ) gene and nicotine addiction indicating a dysfunction of the serotonergic (5‐HT) system in smoking behavior. In a sample of 252 healthy subjects, a significant association between variations observed in nicotine dependence and the heterozygous AC‐genotype of the TPH A779C polymorphism could be demonstrated. Moreover, the heterozygous genotype was significantly associated with a personality trait of neurotic aggression (indirect hostility, negativism), as measured by the Buss–Durkee‐Hostility‐Inventory (BDHI). The positive heterosis effects with respect to nicotine addiction and personality support the idea that the TPH1 gene exerts pleiotropic effects. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.