Significant association between the C(−1019)G functional polymorphism of the HTR_1A gene and impulsivity

Abstract

Serotonin-1A (5-HT(1A)) receptors are known to play a role in impulsivity-related behavior. The C(-1019)G functional polymorphism (rs6295) has been suggested to regulate the 5-HT(1A) receptor gene (HTR(1A)) expression in presynaptic raphe neurons, namely, increased receptor concentration and reduced neuronal firing could be associated with the G allele. Previous studies indicate that this polymorphism is associated with aggression, suicide, and several psychiatric disorders, yet its association with impulsivity has rarely been investigated. We studied the relationship between impulsivity and the C(-1019)G polymorphism of the HTR(1A) in a population sample of 725 volunteers using the Impulsiveness subscale (IVE-I) of the Eysenck Impulsiveness, Venturesomeness, and Empathy scale and also the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with age and gender as covariates and Tukey's HSD post-hoc test. Post-hoc analysis revealed that the study had 0.958 power to detect 0.15 effect size. Significant differences between the C(-1019)G genotype groups (GG vs. GC vs. CC) were found. Subjects carrying GG genotype showed significantly higher impulsiveness scores compared to GC or CC carriers for the IVE-I scale (P = 0.014), for the Motor (P = 0.021), Cognitive Impulsiveness (P = 0.002), and for the BIS total score (P = 0.008) but not for the Nonplanning Impulsiveness (P = 0.520) subscale of the BIS-11. Our results suggest the involvement of the HTR(1A) in the continuum phenotype of impulsivity.

Transcriptional Dys-regulation in Anxiety and Major Depression: 5-HT1A Gene Promoter Architecture as a Therapeutic Opportunity

“…In subjects with personality disorders, the Gallele was associated with emotional-dramatic behavior [128]. In normal subjects the GGgenotype has been found to confer an increase in impulsivity [129], as well as with neuroticism [130], although the latter has not been replicated [131]. However, no association with anxiety or depression personality traits was detected in a large study of healthy subjects [132], suggesting that these associations may be most robust in patients compared to normal subjects.…”

Genetics of impulsive behaviour

“…. LL impulsivity [82] n ¼ sample [97]. The serotonin receptor 1B gene (HTR1B) is located with several mouse alcohol QTLs on chromosome 9, and geneknockout studies performed in mice implicated the HTR1B gene in both alcohol preference and aggression [98,99].…”

Association of Polymorphisms of Serotonin Transporter (5HTTLPR) and 5-HT2C Receptor Genes with Criminal Behavior in Russian Criminal Offenders

“…It has been shown that the G allele and the G/G genotype of the common functional polymorphism -1019C>G (rs6295) in the human 5-HT1A receptor gene (HTR1A) could be associated with an increased risk of suicidal and impulsive behavior [29,30].…”