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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2011

Effects of serotonin transporter promoter and BDNF Val66Met genotype on personality traits in a population representative sample of adolescents.

Hiio, Kelli; Merenäkk Liis; Nordquist, Niklas; Parik, Jueri; Oreland, L; Veidebaum, Toomas, Harro, Jaanus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the 5-HTTLPR and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphisms on self-reported Big Five personality traits and their facets in a population representative sample of adolescents. The sample consisted of both cohorts of the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study, and personality data were collected during its second waves. The 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms were genotyped. The BDNF Val66Met had a significant effect on conscientiousness [F(1,807)=4.32, P=0.038]. We did not find effects of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on the main domains of personality, however, a gene×gene interaction on conscientiousness emerged -BDNF Val66Met Met-allele carriers with the 5-HTTLPR s/s genotype had by far the lowest scores in conscientiousness [F(2,803)=4.38, P=0.012]. In addition, we found genotype effects on some facet scales. In conclusion, the BDNF Val66Met genotype Met-allele carriers have lower conscientiousness, and this effect is increased in the 5-HTTLPR s/s individuals.

Published in

Psychiatric Genetics
2011, volume: 21, number: 5, pages: 261-264

Authors' information

Hiio, Kelli
University of Tartu
Merenaekk, Liis
University of Tartu
Uppsala University
Oreland, Lars
Uppsala University
Parik, Jueri
University of Tartu
Veidebaum, Toomas
Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health
Harro, Jaanus
Uppsala University

UKÄ Subject classification

Medical Genetics
Psychology

Publication Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/YPG.0b013e32834371e8

URI (permanent link to this page)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/38703