Lack of genetic linkage or association between a functional serotonin transporter polymorphism and panic disorder.
Given the efficacy of medications that interact with the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) in the treatment of panic disorder, we have used a family-based design to test for genetic association and linkage between panic disorder and a functional polymorphism in the promoter of the gene for 5-HTT. In this study, 340 individuals in 45 families, as well as 74 haplotype relative risk 'trios' were genotyped at the polymorphic locus, which consists of a 44 base pair deletion/insertion. There were no significant differences in allele frequencies or occurrence of genotypes within the triads. No linkage between the 5-HTT polymorphism and panic disorder was observed in the multiplex families, using a variety of simulations for dominant and recessive models of inheritance. Recent reports suggest an association between the 5-HTT polymorphism and anxiety-related traits, as measured with personality assessment. The results reported here provide evidence that the genetic basis of panic disorder may be distinct from anxiety-related traits assessed by personality inventories in normal populations.
Hamilton
S P
SP
Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA.
Heiman
G A
GA
Haghighi
F
F
Mick
S
S
Klein
D F
DF
Hodge
S E
SE
Weissman
M M
MM
Fyer
A J
AJ
Knowles
J A
JA
D000483:Alleles; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D008040:Genetic Linkage / Q000235:genetics*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008126:Lod Score; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; 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; D004247:DNA