Neurotransmitter Genes in Personality Trait Variation

描述（由申请人提供）：有证据表明，在人格特征的人群变异中存在很强的遗传成分。最近，一种确定这种人格变异的遗传基础的方法涉及到将多态位点的特定等位基因的存在与人格因素量表得分的增加或减少联系起来。使用这种设计，最早的两个积极发现是血清素转运体多态性和神经质之间的联系，以及多巴胺4受体多态性和寻求新奇之间的联系。不幸的是，重复这两种关联的尝试产生了相互矛盾的结果。我们的项目旨在a)通过研究设计来探索这些关联，以解决先前研究的问题；b)探索DRD4与酒精使用之间的可能关联；c)探索脑源性神经营养因子基因（BDNF）多态性与神经质之间的新关联的可能性。指导这个项目的首要假设是，参与神经递质系统的基因中的多态性在一定程度上导致了被研究人群中人格特征的变化。我们收集了450名完成NEO-PI自我评估问卷的受试者的DNA样本。我们将评估每种基因型与相关人格特质之间是否存在关联。通过这些研究，我们希望更多地了解这些基因在人格特质变异中的作用。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Evidence suggests that there is a strong genetic component in the population variation of personality traits. A recent approach to identifying the genetic basis of this personality variation has involved associating the presence of a particular allele at a polymorphic site with increased or decreased scores on a personality factor scale. Two of the first positive findings, using this sort of design, were an association between a serotonin transporter polymorphism and Neuroticism and between a dopamine 4 receptor polymorphism and Novelty Seeking. Unfortunately, attempts to replicate these two associations have produced conflicting results. Our project is intended to a) explore these associations with a study design that addresses the problem of previous studies b) explore a possible association between DRD4 and alcohol use and c) explore the possibility of a novel association between polymorphisms in the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene (BDNF) and Neuroticism. The overarching hypothesis guiding this project is that polymorphisms within genes involved in neurotransmitter systems are, in part, responsible for the variation in personality traits in the population being studied. We have collected DNA samples from 450 subjects who have completed the NEO-PI self-assessment questionnaire. We will assess whether there is an association between each genotype and the relevant personality trait. Through these studies, we hope to learn more about the role of these genes in personality trait variation.