The serotonin transporter gene and peer-rated neuroticism.
Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene (5HTT) have been reported to be associated with neuroticism (emotionality) and with depression. A recent report of an association between 5HTT and neuroticism involved unselected samples and self-report questionnaires. We attempted to extend these findings using a selected extremes design and peer ratings. From a sample of 2085 individuals, each assessed on neuroticism by two independent peers, we selected 52 individuals from the top 5% and 54 individuals from the bottom 5%. No association was found for either a functional 44 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in 5HTT regulatory sequence (5HTTLPR) or for a non-functional variable number tandem repeat 5HTT polymorphism.
Ball
D
D
Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
Hill
L
L
Freeman
B
B
Eley
T C
TC
Strelau
J
J
Riemann
R
R
Spinath
F M
FM
Angleitner
A
A
Plomin
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D008875:Middle Aged; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D010379:Peer Group; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012701:Serotonin; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D012701:Serotonin