Neurotransmitter Genes in Personality Trait Variation

描述（由申请人提供）：证据表明，在人格特征的人群变异中有很强的遗传成分。最近的一种鉴定这种性格变异的遗传基础的方法涉及将多态位点上特定等位基因的存在与性格因素量表上分数的增加或减少相关联。使用这种设计，两个最初的积极发现是5-羟色胺转运体多态性和神经质之间的关联，以及多巴胺4受体多态性和新奇寻求之间的关联。不幸的是，试图复制这两个协会产生了相互矛盾的结果。我们的项目旨在a）通过解决先前研究问题的研究设计探索这些关联B）探索DRD 4和酒精使用之间的可能关联和c）探索脑源性神经营养因子基因（BDNF）多态性和神经质之间新关联的可能性。指导这个项目的首要假设是，参与神经递质系统的基因内的多态性部分地负责研究人群中人格特质的变化。我们从450名完成NEO-PI自我评估问卷的受试者中收集了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.