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FKBP5 polymorphisms influence pre‐learning stress‐induced alterations of learning and memory
Author(s) -
Zoladz Phillip R.,
Dailey Alison M.,
Nagle Hannah E.,
Fiely Miranda K.,
Mosley Brianne E.,
Brown Callie M.,
Duffy Tessa J.,
Scharf Amanda R.,
Earley McKenna B.,
Rorabaugh Boyd R.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1111/ejn.13514
Subject(s) - fkbp5 , effects of stress on memory , single nucleotide polymorphism , psychology , glucocorticoid receptor , fkbp , recall , snp , allele , genetics , glucocorticoid , neuroscience , medicine , endocrinology , genotype , biology , memory consolidation , hippocampus , gene , cognitive psychology
Abstract FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5) is a co‐chaperone of heat shock protein 90 and significantly influences glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNP s) in the FKBP 5 gene are associated with altered hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal ( HPA ) axis function, changes in the structure and function of several cognitive brain areas, and increased susceptibility to post‐traumatic stress disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder and suicidal events. The mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unknown, but it has been speculated that the influence of these SNP s on emotional memory systems may play a role. In the present study, 112 participants were exposed to the socially evaluated cold pressor test (stress) or control (no stress) conditions immediately prior to learning a list of 42 words. Participant memory was assessed immediately after learning (free recall) and 24 h later (free recall and recognition). Participants provided a saliva sample that enabled the genotyping of three FKBP 5 polymorphisms: rs1360780, rs3800373 and rs9296158. Results showed that stress impaired immediate recall in risk allele carriers. More importantly, stress enhanced long‐term recall and recognition memory in non‐carriers of the risk alleles, effects that were completely absent in risk allele carriers. Follow‐up analyses revealed that memory performance was correlated with salivary cortisol levels in non‐carriers, but not in carriers. These findings suggest that FKBP 5 risk allele carriers may possess a sensitized stress response system, perhaps specifically for stress‐induced changes in corticosteroid levels, which might aid our understanding of how SNP s in the FKBP 5 gene confer increased risk for stress‐related psychological disorders and their related phenotypes.